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A Florida hospital has dropped its lawsuit to evict a patient who refused to leave for months — saying the woman finally moved out.
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) had sought a court order to remove the woman from her hospital room, where she remained after being discharged in early October, and authorizing the Leon County Sheriff’s Office to assist in removing her if necessary.
A hearing scheduled for Monday was canceled after the hospital filed a voluntary dismissal.
Hospital spokesperson Sarah Cannon said Monday that the case is no longer active because the patient “is no longer at TMH,” according to The Associated Press.
FLORIDA HOSPITAL SUES TO EVICT PATIENT WHO REFUSES TO LEAVE FOR MONTHS
FILE – A sign is seen outside Tallahassee Memorial Hospital on Feb. 3, 2023, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Anthony Izaguirre, File) (AP Photo/Anthony Izaguirre, File)
The hospital argued in its complaint that the woman’s continued stay diverted staff and resources from other patients and tied up a needed hospital bed.
A general view of Tallahassee Memorial Hospital on April 18, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida. (Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/Getty Images)
“TMH has limited inpatient beds,” the complaint stated. “The defendant’s continued occupancy prevents use of the bed for patients needing acute care.”
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According to the filing, she no longer required acute care after a formal discharge order was issued Oct. 6, and staff made repeated efforts to coordinate her departure, including offering transportation and contacting family members.
The woman had refused to leave the hospital room despite being discharged in October, the hospital argued in a lawsuit. (iStock)
It is unclear how often hospitals resort to legal action to remove patients who refuse to leave after discharge.
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Digital has reached out to TMH for comment.
