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"para_315", "para_316", "para_317", "para_318", "para_319", "para_320", "para_321", "para_322", "para_323", "para_324", "para_325", "para_326", "para_327", "para_328", "para_329", "para_330", "para_331", "para_332", "para_333", "para_334", "para_335", "para_336", "para_337", "para_338", "para_339", "para_340", "para_341", "para_342", "para_343", "para_344", "para_345", "para_346", "para_347", "para_348", "para_349", "para_350", "para_351", "para_352", "para_353", "para_354", "para_355", "para_356", "para_357", "para_358", "para_359", "para_360", "para_361", "para_362", "para_363", "para_364", "para_365", "para_366", "para_367", "para_368", "para_369" ], "kind": "front_matter" } ], "paragraphs": [ { "text": "J.L., INDIVIDUALLY, AND", "paragraph_id": "para_1" }, { "text": "TOGETHER WITH R.P., ON", "paragraph_id": "para_2" }, { "text": "BEHALF OF THE MINOR", "paragraph_id": "para_3" }, { "text": "CHILD, R.P.", "paragraph_id": "para_4" }, { "text": "VERSUS", "paragraph_id": "para_5" }, { "text": "CHARNELL HAYMOND,", "paragraph_id": "para_6" }, { "text": "UNIVERSITY MEDICAL", "paragraph_id": "para_7" }, { "text": "CENTER MANAGEMENT", "paragraph_id": "para_8" }, { "text": "CORPORATION AND", "paragraph_id": "para_9" }, { "text": "LOUISIANA CHILDREN'S", "paragraph_id": "para_10" }, { "text": "MEDICAL CENTER DBA", "paragraph_id": "para_11" }, { "text": "LCMC HEALTH", "paragraph_id": "para_12" }, { "text": "*", "paragraph_id": "para_13" }, { "text": "*", "paragraph_id": "para_14" }, { "text": "*", "paragraph_id": "para_15" }, { "text": "*", "paragraph_id": "para_16" }, { "text": "* * * * * * *", "paragraph_id": "para_17" }, { "text": "NO. 2025-CA-0059", "paragraph_id": "para_18" }, { "text": "COURT OF APPEAL", "paragraph_id": "para_19" }, { "text": "FOURTH CIRCUIT", "paragraph_id": "para_20" }, { "text": "STATE OF LOUISIANA", "paragraph_id": "para_21" }, { "text": "APPEAL FROM", "paragraph_id": "para_22" }, { "text": "CIVIL DISTRICT COURT, ORLEANS PARISH", "paragraph_id": "para_23" }, { "text": "NO. 2024-04957, DIVISION “M”", "paragraph_id": "para_24" }, { "text": "Honorable Paulette R. Irons, Judge", "paragraph_id": "para_25" }, { "text": "* * * * * *", "paragraph_id": "para_26" }, { "text": "Judge Tiffany Gautier Chase", "paragraph_id": "para_27" }, { "text": "* * * * * *", "paragraph_id": "para_28" }, { "text": "(Court composed of Judge Sandra Cabrina Jenkins, Judge Tiffany Gautier Chase,", "paragraph_id": "para_29" }, { "text": "Judge Dale N. Atkins)", "paragraph_id": "para_30" }, { "text": "Brian L. McCullough", "paragraph_id": "para_31" }, { "text": "Peyton Patrick Murphy", "paragraph_id": "para_32" }, { "text": "MUPRHY LAW FIRM", "paragraph_id": "para_33" }, { "text": "2354 South Acadian Thruway", "paragraph_id": "para_34" }, { "text": "Baton Rouge, LA 70808", "paragraph_id": "para_35" }, { "text": "COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF/APPELLANT", "paragraph_id": "para_36" }, { "text": "Ann Marie LeBlanc", "paragraph_id": "para_37" }, { "text": "Kathryn M. Caraway", "paragraph_id": "para_38" }, { "text": "Erica Andrews", "paragraph_id": "para_39" }, { "text": "CARAWAY LEBLANC, L.L.C.", "paragraph_id": "para_40" }, { "text": "3936 Bienville Street", "paragraph_id": "para_41" }, { "text": "New Orleans, LA 70119", "paragraph_id": "para_42" }, { "text": "COUNSEL FOR DEFENDANT/APPELLEE", "paragraph_id": "para_43" }, { "text": "EXCEPTION OF NO CAUSE", "paragraph_id": "para_44" }, { "text": "OF ACTION DENIED;", "paragraph_id": "para_45" }, { "text": "REVERSED AND REMANDED", "paragraph_id": "para_46" }, { "text": "JULY 22, 2025", "paragraph_id": "para_47" }, { "text": "1", "paragraph_id": "para_48" }, { "text": "Plaintiffs/Appellants seek review of the trial court’s October 16, 2024", "paragraph_id": "para_49", "court_paragraph": 1 }, { "text": "judgment granting the exception of prematurity filed by Defendants/Appellees,", "paragraph_id": "para_50" }, { "text": "University Medical Center Management Corporation and Louisiana Children’s", "paragraph_id": "para_51" }, { "text": "Medical Center (hereinafter collectively “the Hospital”). On April 21, 2025, the", "paragraph_id": "para_52" }, { "text": "Hospital filed a partial exception of no cause of action with this Court. After", "paragraph_id": "para_53" }, { "text": "consideration of the record before this Court and the applicable law, we deny the", "paragraph_id": "para_54" }, { "text": "Hospital’s exception of no cause of action and reverse the trial court’s judgment.", "paragraph_id": "para_55" }, { "text": "This matter is remanded to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with", "paragraph_id": "para_56" }, { "text": "this opinion.", "paragraph_id": "para_57" }, { "text": "Facts and Procedural History", "paragraph_id": "para_58" }, { "text": "On May 30, 2024, J.L. filed a petition for damages, individually and together", "paragraph_id": "para_59" }, { "text": "with her partner R.P., on behalf of their minor child, R.P. (hereinafter collectively", "paragraph_id": "para_60" }, { "text": "“Plaintiffs”).1 The petition names the following defendants: Charnell Haymond", "paragraph_id": "para_61" }, { "text": "1 From this point forward, any reference to R.P. refers to the minor child that is the subject of the", "paragraph_id": "para_62" }, { "text": "petition for damages. J.L. refers to the mother of the minor child. The Plaintiffs’ initials will be", "paragraph_id": "para_63" }, { "text": "used throughout this opinion as J.L. alleges she is a victim of a sexual offense and R.P. is a", "paragraph_id": "para_64" }, { "text": "minor. See La. R.S. 46:1844(W) and Rule 5-1 and Rule 5-2, Uniform Rules, Courts of Appeal.", "paragraph_id": "para_65" }, { "text": "TGC", "paragraph_id": "para_66" }, { "text": "SCJ", "paragraph_id": "para_67" }, { "text": "DNA", "paragraph_id": "para_68" }, { "text": "2", "paragraph_id": "para_69" }, { "text": "(hereinafter “Ms. Haymond”); University Medical Center Corporation (hereinafter", "paragraph_id": "para_70", "court_paragraph": 2 }, { "text": "“UMC”); and Louisiana Children’s Medical Center d/b/a LCMC Health", "paragraph_id": "para_71" }, { "text": "(hereinafter “LCMC”).", "paragraph_id": "para_72" }, { "text": "The Plaintiffs maintain that Ms. Haymond was employed by UMC when she", "paragraph_id": "para_73" }, { "text": "accessed J.L. and R.P.’s private and protected health information, on or around", "paragraph_id": "para_74" }, { "text": "August 29, 2021. Plaintiffs alleged that Ms. Haymond then posted the protected", "paragraph_id": "para_75" }, { "text": "information on social media, in violation of the Health Insurance Portability and", "paragraph_id": "para_76" }, { "text": "Accountability Act (hereinafter “HIPAA”) and LCMC’s Notice of Privacy", "paragraph_id": "para_77" }, { "text": "Practices. According to the Plaintiffs, Ms. Haymond continuously posted J.L. and", "paragraph_id": "para_78" }, { "text": "R.P.’s medical information on social media and/or sent J.L. harassing text", "paragraph_id": "para_79" }, { "text": "messages, causing her to experience both physical and mental injuries. Plaintiffs", "paragraph_id": "para_80" }, { "text": "assert that UMC and LCMC are vicariously liable for Ms. Haymond’s negligent", "paragraph_id": "para_81" }, { "text": "and/or intentional acts of accessing protected information during the course and", "paragraph_id": "para_82" }, { "text": "scope of her employment with UMC. Plaintiffs also maintain that UMC and", "paragraph_id": "para_83" }, { "text": "LCMC are liable for negligently hiring, training and retaining Ms. Haymond.", "paragraph_id": "para_84" }, { "text": "The Hospital answered the petition by filing an exception of prematurity", "paragraph_id": "para_85" }, { "text": "asserting that the allegations of the petition fall under the Louisiana Medical", "paragraph_id": "para_86" }, { "text": "Malpractice Act (hereinafter “the LMMA”).2 Specifically, it asserts that Plaintiffs’", "paragraph_id": "para_87" }, { "text": "allegations arise from healthcare related services and that it is a “qualified health", "paragraph_id": "para_88" }, { "text": "care provider” as defined in the LMMA. In support of its exceptions, the Hospital", "paragraph_id": "para_89" }, { "text": "attached an affidavit of Connie Madden (hereinafter “Ms. Madden”), the Director", "paragraph_id": "para_90" }, { "text": "of Compliance at UMC; proof of Ms. Haymond’s attendance at UMC’s general", "paragraph_id": "para_91" }, { "text": "orientation and educational seminars during her employment; and certification of", "paragraph_id": "para_92" }, { "text": "2 In addition to the exception of prematurity, the Hospital filed an exception of prescription.", "paragraph_id": "para_93" }, { "text": "3", "paragraph_id": "para_94" }, { "text": "the Hospital’s enrollment in the Patient Compensation Fund pursuant to La. R.S.", "paragraph_id": "para_95", "court_paragraph": 3 }, { "text": "40:1231.10, et seq.", "paragraph_id": "para_96" }, { "text": "Plaintiffs opposed the exception denying that their allegations against the", "paragraph_id": "para_97" }, { "text": "Hospital and Ms. Haymond fall under the provisions of the LMMA. They further", "paragraph_id": "para_98" }, { "text": "assert that the Hospital failed to meet its burden of proof that their allegations are", "paragraph_id": "para_99" }, { "text": "related to medical treatment. After a hearing, the trial court granted the Hospital’s", "paragraph_id": "para_100" }, { "text": "exception of prematurity on October 16, 2024.3 This appeal followed.", "paragraph_id": "para_101" }, { "text": "Discussion", "paragraph_id": "para_102" }, { "text": "On appeal, Plaintiffs contend the trial court erred in granting the Hospital’s", "paragraph_id": "para_103" }, { "text": "exception of prematurity because the allegations are not related to medical", "paragraph_id": "para_104" }, { "text": "treatment. However, prior to addressing the merits of Plaintiffs’ appeal, we first", "paragraph_id": "para_105" }, { "text": "consider the Hospital’s exception of no cause of action on the issue of vicarious", "paragraph_id": "para_106" }, { "text": "liability which was filed in this Court.", "paragraph_id": "para_107" }, { "text": "Exception of No Cause of Action", "paragraph_id": "para_108" }, { "text": "In its exception of no cause of action, the Hospital asserts that the Plaintiffs’", "paragraph_id": "para_109" }, { "text": "petition fails to state a cause of action for vicarious liability. Specifically, it", "paragraph_id": "para_110" }, { "text": "contends that the petition fails to allege that Ms. Haymond was within the course", "paragraph_id": "para_111" }, { "text": "and scope of her employment when she allegedly disclosed J.L. and R.P.’s", "paragraph_id": "para_112" }, { "text": "protected health information on social media. We find this argument unpersuasive.", "paragraph_id": "para_113" }, { "text": "Pursuant to La. C.C.P. art. 2163(A), an appellate court may consider a", "paragraph_id": "para_114" }, { "text": "peremptory exception filed for the first time on appeal if (1) proof of the exception", "paragraph_id": "para_115" }, { "text": "appears in the record and (2) the exception was pleaded prior to the submission of", "paragraph_id": "para_116" }, { "text": "3 The trial court’s judgment also denied the exception of prescription filed by the Hospital. The", "paragraph_id": "para_117" }, { "text": "Hospital sought supervisory review of the trial court’s denial of its exception of prescription. The", "paragraph_id": "para_118" }, { "text": "writ was denied by this Court on December 23, 2024. J.L., individually and together with R.P., et", "paragraph_id": "para_119" }, { "text": "al. v. Charnell Haymond, et al., 2024-0739, (La.App. 4 Cir. 12/23/24).", "paragraph_id": "para_120" }, { "text": "4", "paragraph_id": "para_121" }, { "text": "the case for decision. “The purpose of the peremptory exception of no cause of", "paragraph_id": "para_122", "court_paragraph": 4 }, { "text": "action is to test the legal sufficiency of the petition by determining whether the law", "paragraph_id": "para_123" }, { "text": "affords a remedy on the facts alleged in the petition.” Aaron & Gianna, PLC v.", "paragraph_id": "para_124" }, { "text": "Chambers, 2024-0016, p. 3 (La.App. 4 Cir. 1/22/24), 381 So.3d 174, 176 (quoting", "paragraph_id": "para_125" }, { "text": "Scheffler v. Adams & Reese, LLP, 2006-1774, p. 4 (La. 2/22/07), 950 So.2d 641,", "paragraph_id": "para_126" }, { "text": "646). A court considers the following when deciding on an exception of no cause", "paragraph_id": "para_127" }, { "text": "of action: the petition for damages; amendments to the petition for damages; and", "paragraph_id": "para_128" }, { "text": "any documents attached to the petition. Id. (citation omitted). “[I]t is not necessary", "paragraph_id": "para_129" }, { "text": "for a plaintiff to plead the theory of [the] case in the petition.” 831 Bartholomew", "paragraph_id": "para_130" }, { "text": "Investments-A, L.L.C. v. Margulis, 2008-0559, pp. 9-10 (La.App. 4 Cir. 9/29/09),", "paragraph_id": "para_131" }, { "text": "20 So.3d 532, 538 (citation omitted). Mere conclusions, unsupported by facts, do", "paragraph_id": "para_132" }, { "text": "not constitute as a cause of action. Id., 2008-0559, p. 10, 20 So.3d at 538 (citation", "paragraph_id": "para_133" }, { "text": "omitted). “The grant of the exception of no cause of action is proper when,", "paragraph_id": "para_134" }, { "text": "assuming all well pleaded factual allegations of the petition and any annexed", "paragraph_id": "para_135" }, { "text": "documents are true, the plaintiff is not entitled to the relief he seeks as a matter of", "paragraph_id": "para_136" }, { "text": "law.” Green v. Garcia-Victor, 2017-0695, p. 5 (La.App. 4 Cir. 5/16/18), 248 So.3d", "paragraph_id": "para_137" }, { "text": "449, 453 (quoting 2400 Canal, LLC v. Bd. of Sup’rs of Louisiana State Univ. Agr.", "paragraph_id": "para_138" }, { "text": "& Mech. Coll., 2012-0220, p. 7 (La.App. 4 Cir. 11/7/12), 105 So.3d 819, 825). We", "paragraph_id": "para_139" }, { "text": "must consider that “[t]he burden of demonstrating that the petition states no cause", "paragraph_id": "para_140" }, { "text": "of action is upon the mover.” 831 Bartholomew Investments-A, L.L.C., 2008-0559,", "paragraph_id": "para_141" }, { "text": "p. 10, 20 So.3d at 538.", "paragraph_id": "para_142" }, { "text": "The principle of vicarious liability is codified in La. C.C. art. 2320, which", "paragraph_id": "para_143" }, { "text": "provides that an employer is liable for the tortious acts of its employees “in the", "paragraph_id": "para_144" }, { "text": "exercise of the functions in which they are employed.” Thus, “[t]he threshold", "paragraph_id": "para_145" }, { "text": "question is whether the employee’s conduct was in the course and scope of his", "paragraph_id": "para_146" }, { "text": "5", "paragraph_id": "para_147" }, { "text": "employment.” J.C. on Behalf of N.C. v. St. Bernard Par. Sch. Bd., 2021-0111, p.", "paragraph_id": "para_148", "court_paragraph": 5 }, { "text": "12 (La.App. 4 Cir. 2/4/22), 336 So.3d 92, 100. “[T]his Court has held that in order", "paragraph_id": "para_149" }, { "text": "for an employer to be vicariously liable for the tortious acts of its employee the", "paragraph_id": "para_150" }, { "text": "‘tortious conduct of the [employee must be] so closely connected in time, place,", "paragraph_id": "para_151" }, { "text": "and causation to his employment duties as to be regarded as a risk of harm fairly", "paragraph_id": "para_152" }, { "text": "attributable to the employer’s business, as compared with conduct instituted by", "paragraph_id": "para_153" }, { "text": "purely personal considerations entirely extraneous to the employer’s interest.’”", "paragraph_id": "para_154" }, { "text": "Loya v. Lucas, 2016-0321, p. 8 (La.App. 4 Cir. 9/21/16), 201 So.3d 928, 933-34", "paragraph_id": "para_155" }, { "text": "(quoting Baumeister v. Plunkett, 1995-2270, p. 3 (La. 5/21/96), 673 So.2d 994,", "paragraph_id": "para_156" }, { "text": "996) (citations omitted).", "paragraph_id": "para_157" }, { "text": "A review of the petition reveals that Ms. Haymond’s acts occurred during", "paragraph_id": "para_158" }, { "text": "the course and scope of her employment with UMC. The Plaintiffs’ petition asserts", "paragraph_id": "para_159" }, { "text": "that Ms. Haymond was employed by UMC in 2021 as a patient sitter. Moreover,", "paragraph_id": "para_160" }, { "text": "Plaintiffs allege that Ms. Haymond used her UMC employee credentials to access", "paragraph_id": "para_161" }, { "text": "J.L. and R.P.’s private and protected health information which she later posted on", "paragraph_id": "para_162" }, { "text": "social media. The petition contains examples of social media posts and text", "paragraph_id": "para_163" }, { "text": "messages, from Ms. Haymond to J.L., regarding the disclosure of private and", "paragraph_id": "para_164" }, { "text": "protected health information. Further, the Plaintiffs’ petition also maintains that", "paragraph_id": "para_165" }, { "text": "UMC conceded that Ms. Haymond accessed J.L. and R.P.’s private health", "paragraph_id": "para_166" }, { "text": "information from its database on August 29, 2021. After a thorough review of the", "paragraph_id": "para_167" }, { "text": "petition, it is evident that the tortious conduct, i.e. Ms. Haymond’s improper", "paragraph_id": "para_168" }, { "text": "accessing of J.L and R.P.s’ health information, occurred during the course and", "paragraph_id": "para_169" }, { "text": "scope of her employment with UMC. Accepting the allegations of Plaintiffs’", "paragraph_id": "para_170" }, { "text": "petition as true, we find sufficient facts were pled to support the imposition of", "paragraph_id": "para_171" }, { "text": "6", "paragraph_id": "para_172" }, { "text": "vicarious liability. Accordingly, the Hospital’s exception of no cause of action is", "paragraph_id": "para_173", "court_paragraph": 6 }, { "text": "denied.", "paragraph_id": "para_174" }, { "text": "Exception of Prematurity", "paragraph_id": "para_175" }, { "text": "On appeal, Plaintiffs maintain the trial court erred in concluding that their", "paragraph_id": "para_176" }, { "text": "allegations fall under the provisions of the LMMA. Conversely, the Hospital", "paragraph_id": "para_177" }, { "text": "maintains that the Plaintiffs’ claims are intertwined with their medical treatment", "paragraph_id": "para_178" }, { "text": "and must therefore be presented to a medical review panel before proceeding in the", "paragraph_id": "para_179" }, { "text": "trial court.", "paragraph_id": "para_180" }, { "text": "Whether a claim sounds in medical malpractice is a question of law that is", "paragraph_id": "para_181" }, { "text": "reviewed de novo. Davis v. Hillview Nursing Home, Inc., 2023-0523, p. 2 (La.App.", "paragraph_id": "para_182" }, { "text": "4 Cir. 9/25/23), 372 So.3d 849, 852 (citation omitted). An exception of prematurity", "paragraph_id": "para_183" }, { "text": "questions whether a cause of action is ripe for judicial determination. Kelleher v.", "paragraph_id": "para_184" }, { "text": "Univ. Med. Ctr. Mgmt. Corp., 2021-00011, p. 3 (La. 10/10/21), 332 So.3d 654, 657", "paragraph_id": "para_185" }, { "text": "(citation omitted). “An action that is brought before the right to enforce it has", "paragraph_id": "para_186" }, { "text": "accrued is deemed premature.” Burandt v. Pendleton Mem’l Methodist Hosp.,", "paragraph_id": "para_187" }, { "text": "2013-0049, p. 6 (La.App. 4 Cir. 8/7/13), 123 So.3d 236, 240 (citation omitted).", "paragraph_id": "para_188" }, { "text": "When the grounds for prematurity cannot be found on the face of the petition,", "paragraph_id": "para_189" }, { "text": "evidence may be introduced to support or controvert the exception. La. C.C.P. art.", "paragraph_id": "para_190" }, { "text": "930.", "paragraph_id": "para_191" }, { "text": "“The exception [of prematurity] is the proper procedural mechanism for a", "paragraph_id": "para_192" }, { "text": "qualified health care provider to invoke when a medical malpractice plaintiff has", "paragraph_id": "para_193" }, { "text": "failed to submit the claim for decision by a medical review panel before filing suit", "paragraph_id": "para_194" }, { "text": "against the provider.” Burandt, 2013-0049, p. 6, 123 So.3d at 240-41 (citations", "paragraph_id": "para_195" }, { "text": "omitted). The moving party bears the burden of proving prematurity and is", "paragraph_id": "para_196" }, { "text": "required to show that it is entitled to a medical review panel because the", "paragraph_id": "para_197" }, { "text": "7", "paragraph_id": "para_198" }, { "text": "allegations fall within the scope of the LMMA. Kelleher, 2021-00011, pp. 3-4, 332", "paragraph_id": "para_199", "court_paragraph": 7 }, { "text": "So.3d at 657 (citation omitted). “A medical malpractice claim against a qualified", "paragraph_id": "para_200" }, { "text": "health care provider is subject to dismissal on a timely exception of prematurity if", "paragraph_id": "para_201" }, { "text": "such claim has not first been reviewed by a pre-suit medical review panel.” Id.,", "paragraph_id": "para_202" }, { "text": "2021-00011, p. 3, 332 So.3d at 657 (citing La. R.S. 40:1231.8) (citation omitted).", "paragraph_id": "para_203" }, { "text": "We recognize that “the LMMA is special legislation in derogation of the rights of", "paragraph_id": "para_204" }, { "text": "tort victims, and its limitations on tort liability ‘apply strictly to claims arising from", "paragraph_id": "para_205" }, { "text": "medical malpractice.’” Thomas v. Reg’l Health Sys. of Acadiana, LLC, 2019-", "paragraph_id": "para_206" }, { "text": "00507, p. 7 (La. 1/29/20), 347 So.3d 595, 600 (quoting Billeaudeau v. Opelousas", "paragraph_id": "para_207" }, { "text": "Gen. Hosp. Auth., 2016-0846, p. 10 (La. 10/19/16), 218 So.3d 513, 520 (citation", "paragraph_id": "para_208" }, { "text": "omitted). “[A]ll other tort liability on the part of the qualified health care provider", "paragraph_id": "para_209" }, { "text": "is governed by general tort law.” Burandt, 2013-0049, p. 6, 123 So.3d at 241", "paragraph_id": "para_210" }, { "text": "(citations omitted). “If an ambiguity exists regarding whether or not the alleged tort", "paragraph_id": "para_211" }, { "text": "sounds in medical malpractice, it is to be resolved in favor of the plaintiff.” Id.,", "paragraph_id": "para_212" }, { "text": "2013-0049, p. 7, 123 So.3d at 241 (citations omitted). Thus, when appellate courts", "paragraph_id": "para_213" }, { "text": "are interpreting the LMMA, it must determine whether the alleged acts sound in", "paragraph_id": "para_214" }, { "text": "general negligence or medical malpractice. Id. (citations omitted). In order to fall", "paragraph_id": "para_215" }, { "text": "under the provisions of the LMMA, the alleged act complained of must be related", "paragraph_id": "para_216" }, { "text": "to medical treatment. Id. (citation omitted).", "paragraph_id": "para_217" }, { "text": "The LMMA defines “[m]alpractice” as:", "paragraph_id": "para_218" }, { "text": "[A]ny unintentional tort or any breach of contract based on health care", "paragraph_id": "para_219" }, { "text": "or professional services rendered, or which should have been", "paragraph_id": "para_220" }, { "text": "rendered, by a health care provider, to a patient, including failure to", "paragraph_id": "para_221" }, { "text": "render services timely and the handling of a patient, including loading", "paragraph_id": "para_222" }, { "text": "and unloading of a patient, and also includes all legal responsibility of", "paragraph_id": "para_223" }, { "text": "a health care provider arising from acts or omissions during the", "paragraph_id": "para_224" }, { "text": "procurement of blood or blood components, in the training or", "paragraph_id": "para_225" }, { "text": "supervision of health care providers, or from defects in blood, tissue,", "paragraph_id": "para_226" }, { "text": "transplants, drugs, and medicines, or from defects in or failures of", "paragraph_id": "para_227" }, { "text": "8", "paragraph_id": "para_228" }, { "text": "prosthetic devices implanted in or used on or in the person of a", "paragraph_id": "para_229", "court_paragraph": 8 }, { "text": "patient.", "paragraph_id": "para_230" }, { "text": "La. R.S. 40:1231.1(A)(13). Likewise, the term “[h]ealth care” is defined in the", "paragraph_id": "para_231" }, { "text": "LMMA as “any act or treatment performed or furnished, or which should have", "paragraph_id": "para_232" }, { "text": "been performed or furnished, by any health care provider for, to, or on behalf of a", "paragraph_id": "para_233" }, { "text": "patient during the patient’s medical care, treatment, or confinement… .” La. R.S.", "paragraph_id": "para_234" }, { "text": "40:1231.1(A)(9).4 A “[t]ort” is defined as “any breach of duty or any negligent act", "paragraph_id": "para_235" }, { "text": "4 In the 2025 legislative session, the definitional provisions of La. R.S. 40:1231.2 were amended,", "paragraph_id": "para_236" }, { "text": "effective August 1, 2025. The term “health care” and “malpractice” were amended to provide:", "paragraph_id": "para_237" }, { "text": "any act, treatment, administration, service, or care related to policies and", "paragraph_id": "para_238" }, { "text": "procedures and the administration thereof, staffing, custodial services by licensed", "paragraph_id": "para_239" }, { "text": "or certified staff, performed or furnished, or which should have been performed or", "paragraph_id": "para_240" }, { "text": "furnished, by any health care provider for, to, or on behalf of a patient during the", "paragraph_id": "para_241" }, { "text": "patient’s medical care, treatment, or confinement, or during or relating to or in", "paragraph_id": "para_242" }, { "text": "connection with the procurement of human blood or blood components. This", "paragraph_id": "para_243" }, { "text": "includes all acts associated with the medical treatment of an individual, whether", "paragraph_id": "para_244" }, { "text": "directly related to clinical care or performed in an administrative or managerial", "paragraph_id": "para_245" }, { "text": "capacity necessary for the delivery of such care.", "paragraph_id": "para_246" }, { "text": "***", "paragraph_id": "para_247" }, { "text": "means any unintentional tort or any breach of contract based on health care or", "paragraph_id": "para_248" }, { "text": "professional services rendered, or which should have been rendered, by a health", "paragraph_id": "para_249" }, { "text": "care provider, to a patient, including but not limited to failure to render services", "paragraph_id": "para_250" }, { "text": "timely and the handling of a patient, loading and unloading of a patient, and all", "paragraph_id": "para_251" }, { "text": "legal responsibility of a health care provider arising from acts or omissions during", "paragraph_id": "para_252" }, { "text": "the procurement of blood or blood components, in the staffing, training, or", "paragraph_id": "para_253" }, { "text": "supervision of health care providers, or from defects in blood, tissue, transplants,", "paragraph_id": "para_254" }, { "text": "drugs, and medicines, or from defects in or failures of prosthetic devices", "paragraph_id": "para_255" }, { "text": "implanted in or used on or in the person of a patient. This includes all acts", "paragraph_id": "para_256" }, { "text": "associated with the medical treatment of an individual, whether directly related to", "paragraph_id": "para_257" }, { "text": "clinical care or performed in an administrative or managerial capacity necessary", "paragraph_id": "para_258" }, { "text": "for the delivery of such care.", "paragraph_id": "para_259" }, { "text": "The Hospital maintains that Ms. Haymond’s actions clearly fall under the amended definitions of", "paragraph_id": "para_260" }, { "text": "“health care” and “malpractice.” As a threshold matter, we note that the effective date of the", "paragraph_id": "para_261" }, { "text": "amendments to La. R.S. 40:1231.1 is August 1, 2025. Moreover, La. C.C. art. 6 provides that in", "paragraph_id": "para_262" }, { "text": "the absence of legislative expression, substantive laws apply prospectively, while procedural", "paragraph_id": "para_263" }, { "text": "laws may apply prospectively and retroactively. “If the legislature does not express an intent", "paragraph_id": "para_264" }, { "text": "regarding retroactive or prospective application of a statute, the court must determine whether", "paragraph_id": "para_265" }, { "text": "the enactment is substantive or procedural.” Doe v. Jesuit High Sch. of New Orleans, 2021-0284,", "paragraph_id": "para_266" }, { "text": "p. 6, (La.App. 4 Cir. 11/10/21), 331 So.3d 426, 431 (citation omitted). Here, the legislature did", "paragraph_id": "para_267" }, { "text": "not express an intent as to whether the amendments to La. R.S. 40:1231.1 apply retroactively or", "paragraph_id": "para_268" }, { "text": "prospectively. While cognizant of the Hospital’s arguments, we find that the amendments to La.", "paragraph_id": "para_269" }, { "text": "R.S. 40:1231.1 are substantive in nature as it establishes new rules, rights and duties – or changes", "paragraph_id": "para_270" }, { "text": "to existing ones – regarding the service and care related to administrative procedures and the", "paragraph_id": "para_271" }, { "text": "staffing and licensing of certified staff. See St. Paul Fire & Marine Ins. Co. v. Smith, 609 So.2d", "paragraph_id": "para_272" }, { "text": "809, 817 (La. 1992) (finding that substantive laws “establish new rules, rights, and duties or", "paragraph_id": "para_273" }, { "text": "9", "paragraph_id": "para_274" }, { "text": "or omission proximately causing injury or damage to another.” La. R.S.", "paragraph_id": "para_275", "court_paragraph": 9 }, { "text": "40:1231.1(A)(22).", "paragraph_id": "para_276" }, { "text": "Additionally, our Supreme Court has set forth the following six-part test to", "paragraph_id": "para_277" }, { "text": "determine whether negligent acts fall under the provisions of the LMMA:", "paragraph_id": "para_278" }, { "text": "(1) Whether the particular wrong is “treatment related” or caused by a", "paragraph_id": "para_279" }, { "text": "dereliction of professional skill,", "paragraph_id": "para_280" }, { "text": "(2) Whether the wrong requires expert medical evidence to determine", "paragraph_id": "para_281" }, { "text": "whether the appropriate standard of care was breached,", "paragraph_id": "para_282" }, { "text": "(3) Whether the pertinent act or omission involved assessment of the", "paragraph_id": "para_283" }, { "text": "patient’s condition,", "paragraph_id": "para_284" }, { "text": "(4) Whether an incident occurred in the context of a physician-patient", "paragraph_id": "para_285" }, { "text": "relationship, or was within the scope of activities which a hospital is", "paragraph_id": "para_286" }, { "text": "licensed to perform,", "paragraph_id": "para_287" }, { "text": "(5) Whether the injury would have occurred if the patient had not sought", "paragraph_id": "para_288" }, { "text": "treatment, and", "paragraph_id": "para_289" }, { "text": "(6) Whether the tort alleged was intentional.", "paragraph_id": "para_290" }, { "text": "Billeaudeau, 2016-0846, pp. 11-12, 218 So.3d at 521 (quoting Coleman v. Deno,", "paragraph_id": "para_291" }, { "text": "2001-1517, pp. 17-18 (La. 1/25/02), 813 So.2d 303, 315-16) (citations omitted).", "paragraph_id": "para_292" }, { "text": "In the matter sub judice, the Hospital bears the burden of proof, as the", "paragraph_id": "para_293" }, { "text": "exceptor, in proving that the allegations of Plaintiffs’ petition fall under the", "paragraph_id": "para_294" }, { "text": "provisions of the LMMA. At the hearing, the Hospital submitted evidence in", "paragraph_id": "para_295" }, { "text": "support of its exception of prematurity. See La. C.C.P. art. 930.5 The Hospital’s", "paragraph_id": "para_296" }, { "text": "exception provides that Ms. Haymond’s alleged actions fall under the provisions of", "paragraph_id": "para_297" }, { "text": "change existing ones.”). We therefore find that the amendments to La. R.S. 40:1231.1 cannot be", "paragraph_id": "para_298" }, { "text": "applied retroactively to the Plaintiffs’ claims.", "paragraph_id": "para_299" }, { "text": "5 The Hospital submitted the following in support of its exception: (1) the affidavit of Ms.", "paragraph_id": "para_300" }, { "text": "Madden, the Director of Compliance at UMC; (2) proof of Ms. Haymond’s attendance at UMC’s", "paragraph_id": "para_301" }, { "text": "general orientation and educational seminars during her employment; and (3) certification of the", "paragraph_id": "para_302" }, { "text": "Hospital’s enrollment in the Patient Compensation Fund pursuant to La. R.S. 40:1231.10, et seq.", "paragraph_id": "para_303" }, { "text": "10", "paragraph_id": "para_304" }, { "text": "the LMMA because they are related to medical treatment or a dereliction of", "paragraph_id": "para_305", "court_paragraph": 10 }, { "text": "professional skill. We disagree.", "paragraph_id": "para_306" }, { "text": "The allegations of Plaintiffs’ petition and the evidence presented at the", "paragraph_id": "para_307" }, { "text": "exception hearing establish that Ms. Haymond was employed by UMC as either a", "paragraph_id": "para_308" }, { "text": "patient sitter or as a certified nursing assistant from 2017 to 2022. The Plaintiffs’", "paragraph_id": "para_309" }, { "text": "petition states that Ms. Haymond improperly accessed J.L. and R.P.’s private and", "paragraph_id": "para_310" }, { "text": "protected health information in 2021 and subsequently posted that information on", "paragraph_id": "para_311" }, { "text": "social media. The petition also contends that Ms. Haymond intentionally accessed", "paragraph_id": "para_312" }, { "text": "J.L. and R.P.’s protected health information and publicly shared their health", "paragraph_id": "para_313" }, { "text": "conditions on social media to embarrass and/or harass the Plaintiffs. To support", "paragraph_id": "para_314" }, { "text": "these assertions, the petition includes photos of texts messages from Ms.", "paragraph_id": "para_315" }, { "text": "Haymond to J.L., in which Ms. Haymond is continuously harassing J.L. and her", "paragraph_id": "para_316" }, { "text": "infant child regarding their health conditions. Also included in the petition are", "paragraph_id": "para_317" }, { "text": "social media posts, from Ms. Haymond’s personal accounts, discussing J.L and", "paragraph_id": "para_318" }, { "text": "R.P.’s medical information on social media. Conversely, the Hospital submitted", "paragraph_id": "para_319" }, { "text": "evidence in support of its exception including Ms. Madden’s affidavit which", "paragraph_id": "para_320" }, { "text": "concedes that Ms. Haymond accessed J.L. and R.P.’s health information on", "paragraph_id": "para_321" }, { "text": "August 29, 2021 during her employment with UMC. The affidavit further", "paragraph_id": "para_322" }, { "text": "provides that Ms. Haymond attended numerous training sessions from 2017 to", "paragraph_id": "para_323" }, { "text": "2022, at UMC and LCMC, wherein she was educated on the rules and procedures", "paragraph_id": "para_324" }, { "text": "regarding the prohibition of accessing patient information unrelated to job duties.", "paragraph_id": "para_325" }, { "text": "According to Ms. Madden’s affidavit, Ms. Haymond accessed J.L. and R.P.’s", "paragraph_id": "para_326" }, { "text": "private health information as a result of a “falling-out” between the parties.", "paragraph_id": "para_327" }, { "text": "Based upon the record before us, there is no evidence to suggest that the", "paragraph_id": "para_328" }, { "text": "events which lead to Plaintiffs’ allegations were related to medical treatment. Ms.", "paragraph_id": "para_329" }, { "text": "11", "paragraph_id": "para_330" }, { "text": "Haymond did not treat or perform any healthcare related services for Plaintiffs in", "paragraph_id": "para_331", "court_paragraph": 11 }, { "text": "her capacity as a patient sitter or a certified nursing assistant. Likewise, the", "paragraph_id": "para_332" }, { "text": "Hospital did not render any form of medical treatment or treatment related", "paragraph_id": "para_333" }, { "text": "services to J.L. or R.P. which required Ms. Haymond to access their private and", "paragraph_id": "para_334" }, { "text": "protected health records. Ms. Haymond’s actions will not require an expert", "paragraph_id": "para_335" }, { "text": "medical opinion nor did her actions involve an assessment of J.L. and/or R.P.’s", "paragraph_id": "para_336" }, { "text": "medical conditions. We also find that the evidence fails to show how the conduct", "paragraph_id": "para_337" }, { "text": "occurred within the context of a physician-patient relationship or was within the", "paragraph_id": "para_338" }, { "text": "scope of activities that Ms. Haymond was permitted to perform. Rather, the", "paragraph_id": "para_339" }, { "text": "record demonstrates that Ms. Haymond accessed J.L. and R.P.’s protected and", "paragraph_id": "para_340" }, { "text": "private health information in contravention of her employment duties. Ms.", "paragraph_id": "para_341" }, { "text": "Haymond’s actions were intentionally and maliciously done to bully and harass", "paragraph_id": "para_342" }, { "text": "Plaintiffs. See Davis, 2023-0523, p. 5 (La.App. 4 Cir. 9/25/23), 372 So.3d at 853", "paragraph_id": "para_343" }, { "text": "(quoting Montalbano v. Buffman, Inc., 2011-0753, p. 11 (La.App. 4 Cir. 3/21/12),", "paragraph_id": "para_344" }, { "text": "90 So.3d 503, 511) (finding that “allegations of [an] intentional tort would not be", "paragraph_id": "para_345" }, { "text": "submitted to a medical review panel.”).", "paragraph_id": "para_346" }, { "text": "Applying the Coleman factors, we find that the Hospital failed to show", "paragraph_id": "para_347" }, { "text": "how Plaintiffs’ allegations and injuries were related to medical treatment. For an", "paragraph_id": "para_348" }, { "text": "action to be considered under the provisions of the LMMA the act must be related", "paragraph_id": "para_349" }, { "text": "to medical treatment. See LaCoste v. Pendleton Methodist Hosp. L.L.C., 2007-", "paragraph_id": "para_350" }, { "text": "0008, p. 7 (La. 9/5/07), 966 So.2d 519, 524 and Davis, 2023-0523, p. 5, 372", "paragraph_id": "para_351" }, { "text": "So.3d at 853 (noting that the LMMA and its limitations on tort liability for", "paragraph_id": "para_352" }, { "text": "qualified health care providers shall apply only to claims arising from medical", "paragraph_id": "para_353" }, { "text": "malpractice and that all other tort liability is to be governed by general tort law).", "paragraph_id": "para_354" }, { "text": "After a thorough review of the record, the Plaintiffs’ allegations sound in general", "paragraph_id": "para_355" }, { "text": "12", "paragraph_id": "para_356" }, { "text": "negligence and/or tort rather than medical malpractice. We find the trial court", "paragraph_id": "para_357", "court_paragraph": 12 }, { "text": "erred in granting the Hospital’s exception of prematurity. Accordingly, the trial", "paragraph_id": "para_358" }, { "text": "court’s judgment is reversed and this case is remanded for further proceedings", "paragraph_id": "para_359" }, { "text": "consistent with this opinion.", "paragraph_id": "para_360" }, { "text": "Decree", "paragraph_id": "para_361" }, { "text": "Based on the foregoing, the Hospital’s exception of no cause of action is", "paragraph_id": "para_362" }, { "text": "denied. The trial court’s October 16, 2024 judgment granting the exception of", "paragraph_id": "para_363" }, { "text": "prematurity is reversed and this matter is remanded for further proceedings", "paragraph_id": "para_364" }, { "text": "consistent with this opinion.", "paragraph_id": "para_365" }, { "text": "EXCEPTION OF NO CAUSE", "paragraph_id": "para_366" }, { "text": "OF ACTION DENIED;", "paragraph_id": "para_367" }, { "text": "REVERSED AND REMANDED", "paragraph_id": "para_368" }, { "text": "JULY **, 2025", "paragraph_id": "para_369" } ], "word_count": 3754, "cites": [], "cited_by": [], "sha256": "ac0ad7009225dd651dd74d77088090e9c7d52c85808c0445112c14b392d814df", "source_url": "https://www.la4th.org/opinion/2025/4944046.pdf", "fetched_at": "2026-10-08T05:39:41.952+00:00", "canonical": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/ai/judgments/us/lactapp-2025-ca-0059-2025-07-22", "risk_graph": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/risk?id=us:lactapp-2025-ca-0059-2025-07-22", "relations_graph": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/relations?id=us:lactapp-2025-ca-0059-2025-07-22", "changes": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/us-praxis/changes", "agent": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/us-praxis/agent?id=us:lactapp-2025-ca-0059-2025-07-22", "verification": { "stored_sha256": "ac0ad7009225dd651dd74d77088090e9c7d52c85808c0445112c14b392d814df", "recomputed_sha256": "ac0ad7009225dd651dd74d77088090e9c7d52c85808c0445112c14b392d814df", "intact": true, "checked_at": "2026-10-16T10:14:58.752Z" } }, "hash": "sha256:c67d0daf32c618d809f74a2f91baf654e19c64e12dee5ed3284c24730b767662", "version": "legal-2026-10-16", "expires": "2026-10-17T00:00:00.000Z", "dependency": { "index_version": "legal-2026-10-16+legal-2026-10-16+2026-10-16T09:17:18", "content_hash": "sha256:c67d0daf32c618d809f74a2f91baf654e19c64e12dee5ed3284c24730b767662", "revalidate_after": "2026-10-16T11:14:58.911Z", "max_copy_age_seconds": 3600, "policy": "revalidate-required; attribution-preferred", "changelog": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/dependency", "verify": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/verify", "stale_copy_invalid": true }, "canonical": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/judgment-text?id=us:lactapp-2025-ca-0059-2025-07-22", "follow": [ { "rel": "risk", "href": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/risk?id=us:lactapp-2025-ca-0059-2025-07-22" }, { "rel": "relations", "href": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/relations?id=us:lactapp-2025-ca-0059-2025-07-22" }, { "rel": "agent", "href": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/us-praxis/agent?id=us:lactapp-2025-ca-0059-2025-07-22" }, { "rel": "obligations", "href": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/obligation-chain" }, { "rel": "changes", "href": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/whats-new?jurisdiction=us" } ], "disclaimer": "Source reference with official identifier. 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