Federal Judge Orders Americus Doctors to Pay $500 a Day

In the Federal Lawsuit, Mila S Keh vs Americus-Sumter County Hospital Authority, Sumter Regional Hospital, Inc., and several Sumter County physicians, Federal Judge Louis Sands ordered the above Defendants to answer the interrogatories [questions] submitted by Dr Keh’s attorney, George W McGriff of Atlanta, GA.

 Attorney McGriff noted that the Defendants did not deliver their answers to the interrogatories by January 22, 2008 as ordered by the Federal Court.  The Defendants submitted numerous responses to the interrogatories [questions] which cited “Peer Review Privilege” objections to the information requested. 

 The action was taken against Defendants Southwest Georgia Healthcare Association, Inc. (SGHA), Dr Andrew C. Carlson, Dr. A. Gatewood Dudley, Dr. Gregory A. Garth, Dr Kenneth E. Dinella, Dr Michael S. Busman, and Dr. Chanh M Tu.  Defendant Joseph King’s responses to Plaintiff’s original interrogatories shall comply with the same requirements.  

 The Court Order clearly states that Peer Review privilege is NOT a proper objection to any interrogatory issued by Plaintiff.  Therefore, NO Defendant may fail or refuse to respond to Plaintiff’s interrogatories on the basis of Peer Review privilege.

 Any Defendant who fails to strictly comply with ANY of the requirements listed herein as INSTRUCTIONS by the close of business (5 o’clock p.m. E.S.T.) Monday April 14, 2008 will pay as a sanction in the amount of $500 per day into the repository of the Court.