329 P.3d 1040
Ariz.2014Background
- The estates of Helen Wyatt and Karl Kuhfuss Jr. filed wrongful death actions against Phoenix Baptist Hospital and John C. Lincoln Hospital under APSA, A.R.S. §§ 46-451 to -459.
- Trial court granted partial summary judgment holding APSA does not apply to acute care hospitals.
- The Court of Appeals reversed, concluding APSA applies to acute care hospitals.
- The Supreme Court granted review to decide whether acute care hospitals may be liable under APSA.
- The Court held that APSA can apply to acute care hospitals, interpreting 'provide care' as broad; vacated the appellate decision and remanded for further proceedings.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Does APSA apply to acute care hospitals? | Wyatt argues hospitals provide care and are subject to APSA. | Hospitals contend they do not furnish 'care' under APSA; ambiguity requires legislative history. | Yes; hospitals may be liable under APSA. |
Key Cases Cited
- Estate of Braden ex rel. Gabaldon v. State, 228 Ariz. 323, 266 P.3d 349 (Arizona 2011) (State not exempted as enterprise; interpret APSA broadly)
- McGill ex rel. McGill v. Albrecht, 203 Ariz. 525, 57 P.3d 384 (Arizona 2002) (exempts certain providers; relevance to scope of APSA)
- In re Estate of Winn, 214 Ariz. 149, 150 P.3d 236 (Arizona 2007) (remedial statutes construed broadly)
- State v. Christian, 205 Ariz. 64, 66 P.3d 1241 (Arizona 2003) (statutory interpretation when language clear)
- Hayes v. Cont’l Ins. Co., 178 Ariz. 264, 872 P.2d 668 (Arizona 1994) (use of legislative history in interpretation)