Usually, people can’t wait to be discharged from the hospital. The same can’t be said for a woman discharged in October, but remains in the hospital.
A hospital in Florida is suing a former patient who is refusing to leave the facility even though the person was discharged five months ago.
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) filed the complaint earlier this month. The complaint alleges the woman was formally discharged Oct. 6, 2025, but “continues to occupy” an inpatient room.
“TMH staff made repeated efforts to assist the defendant in safely completing discharge,” the complaint obtained by the Tallahassee Democrat said. “TMH offered assistance, including coordination with family members and offering non-emergency medical transportation to obtain necessary identification.”
The prolonged stay has started to strain the hospital’s limited resources and has prevented other patients from receiving care, hospital officials said.
“TMH has limited inpatient beds,” the complaint read. “The defendant’s continued occupancy prevents use of the bed for patients needing acute care.”
The woman remained in the hospital as of March, according to the filing.
TMH is now seeking a court order that will require her to leave and authorize the Leon County Sheriff’s Office to assist in removing her if necessary.
A hearing is scheduled for March 30.
It is not how often hospitals have had to use legal action to remove patients who refuse to leave after discharge.
TMH told Fox News Digital in an email requesting comment on the matter that “TMH is not able to discuss active legal matters, including background details.”
