DeKalb Medical Center, Inc. v. Obekpa
315 Ga. App. 739
Ga. Ct. App.2012Background
- DeKalb Medical Center appeals a superior court order enjoining reporting to the data bank of the board’s final denial of Obekpa’s reappointment.
- Obekpa sought equitable relief to void the board’s decision and reinstate the panel’s recommendations.
- The hospital moved for summary judgment, arguing immunity under OCGA § 31-7-132(a).
- Georgia’s peer review immunity extends to equitable relief, not just damages, absent malice.
- The board ultimately denied Obekpa’s reappointment, rejected the panel’s recommendations, and the court refused to grant summary judgment; immunity applies, reversing the injunction.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether OCGA § 31-7-132(a) immunizes the hospital from equitable relief claims. | Obekpa asserts malice in the peer review process. | Hospital asserts immunity from civil liability (and equitable relief) under § 31-7-132(a). | Immunity applies; court erred in denying summary judgment. |
| Whether the injunction prohibiting data bank reporting was proper given immunity. | Obekpa seeks to preserve the panel’s recommendations via injunction. | Immunity forecloses equitable relief and injunctions. | Reversed; no basis for injunction. |
Key Cases Cited
- Taylor v. Kennestone Hosp., Inc., 266 Ga. App. 14 (Ga. App. 2004) (peer review immunity applies to equitable relief and malice not required under HCQIA analysis)
- Taylor v. Kennestone Hosp., Inc., 266 Ga. App. 21-22 (Ga. App. 2004) (immunity under Georgia statute extends to equitable claims)
- Bailey v. Buck, 266 Ga. 405 (Ga. 1996) (interlocutory injunctions preserve status quo pending final adjudication)