Hospital takes legal action against patient who has not left for five months

Florida Hospital Sues Former Patient Over Extended Stay

A hospital in Florida is taking legal action against a former patient who allegedly refused to leave after being officially discharged. Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare (TMH) filed a complaint earlier this month, stating that the patient was discharged on October 6, 2025, yet “continues to occupy” an inpatient room.

According to the complaint, TMH staff attempted multiple times to help the woman finish her discharge. They coordinated with family members and even arranged for non-emergency medical transportation to assist her in obtaining necessary identification. Despite these efforts, she remained in the hospital as of March.

Officials at TMH expressed concerns that prolonged hospital stays are straining resources, which, in turn, affects the availability of beds for other patients needing urgent care. The complaint highlighted the limited number of inpatient beds available, claiming that due to the woman’s ongoing occupancy, they can’t accommodate other patients requiring acute treatment.

The hospital is now seeking a court order to compel her to leave and is asking for authorization for law enforcement, specifically the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, to assist in her removal if necessary.

What’s interesting, or perhaps a little unsettling, is that the frequency of hospitals pursuing legal action to remove patients who refuse to leave isn’t widely known. In a communication with Fox News Digital, TMH stated that they cannot discuss ongoing legal issues or provide background details.