TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (BuzzReport) — A North Florida hospital has filed a lawsuit against a patient who officials say has refused to leave the facility months after being medically cleared for discharge, raising concerns about limited hospital capacity and resource strain.
In a complaint filed earlier this month, Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare alleges that the patient was initially admitted for treatment but was later deemed no longer in need of “acute care hospital services.” According to court documents, the patient was formally discharged on October 6, 2025.
Despite that determination, hospital officials say the individual has remained inside the facility for more than five months, continuing to occupy a patient room that could otherwise be used for incoming patients requiring medical care.
The complaint outlines what the hospital describes as “repeated efforts” by staff to facilitate a safe discharge. Those efforts reportedly included coordinating with the patient’s family members and offering non-emergency medical transportation to assist the individual in obtaining necessary identification and making arrangements outside the hospital.
Hospital administrators state that a formal written notice was issued to the patient on November 24, instructing them to vacate the premises. However, the patient has allegedly refused to comply.
In its legal filing, Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare is seeking a temporary injunction that would compel the patient to leave the hospital. The lawsuit argues that the prolonged occupancy is placing a strain on limited hospital beds and diverting staff time and resources away from patients in need of urgent medical attention.
A hearing on the matter has been scheduled for March 30, where a court will consider the hospital’s request and determine the next steps in the case.