A Tallahassee, Florida hospital filed a lawsuit against a patient who refused to leave her bed after being discharged in October 2025.
In a lawsuit filed earlier this month, Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare (TMH) said the patient was treated in October and no longer needs “acute care hospital services.”
The patient was discharged home on October 6, 2025, but she refused to leave. 5 months later, she is still occupying the hospital room.
According to the lawsuit, TMH security and administration made “repeated efforts” to get the patient to leave, including coordinating with family members.
On November 24, TMH provided written notice to the patient, citing the facility’s limited beds, and the patient is occupying a bed that other patients need.
“TMH has limited inpatient beds,” according to the lawsuit. “The defendant’s continued occupancy prevents use of the bed for patients needing acute care” and her “continued presence” is taking up resources and staff time.
“TMH is not able to discuss active legal matters, including background details,” a representative told PEOPLE in an email.
TMH has requested a court order allowing the sheriff’s office to physically remove the patient. A hearing is set for March 30.