Doctor sues Christus to resolve impasse

An unnamed physician brought a petition against a hospital in a disagreement originating in 2011.

An application for a restraining order was filed on behalf of John Doe against Christus Health Southeast Texas, d/b/a Christus Hospital of Austin, in Jefferson County District Court on May 29, regarding a July 2011 matter.

John Doe filed for temporary and permanent injunctions, and a temporary restraining order against the respondent, Christus Hospital.

The filing states that the respondent’s Medical Executive Committee (MEC) decided to remove certain procedures from the applicant’s hospital privileges on or about July 1, 2011. The suit states that mediation was unsuccessful and the parties subsequently declared an impasse.

Court documents indicate that on April 30 the MEC reconsidered all information available to it at the time of its initial decision obtained from the involved parties and reaffirmed its June 30, 2011 decision.

The suit states that when the applicant was notified of the reaffirmation in a special notice dated May 13 the respondent indicated that the medical staff office would notify appropriate authorities of their decision, including the National Practitioner Data Bank, within 30 days of April 30.

The applicant requests a temporary restraining order to preserve the status quo pending a hearing for his motion for an injunction. Specifically, he asks that Christus Hospital and its staff refrain from notifying authorities pending a fair hearing.

Claiming that an adverse action report would irreparably harm his professional reputation and business, he is represented by Clay Dugas of Beaumont.

Jefferson County District Court Case D-197179