The head nurse of the University of Utah burn unit refused to allow a police officer to draw the blood of an unconscious patient, citing a hospital policy -- apparently agreed to by the local police -- that allowed such blood draws only in three circumstances: (1) with patient consent, (2) with a warrant, or (3) if the patient is under arrest. The officer conceded that none of the conditions had been met (and apparently acknowledged that he did not have probable cause for a warrant, but insisted on drawing blood anyhow).
As a body cam video of the encounter makes clear, the nurse very calmly explained her refusal, as did her supervisor who was contacted via speakerphone. The officer threatened arrest. “I either go away with blood in vials or body in tow," he said. The nurse admirably stood her ground. At that point, the police officer announced "We're done here," as he grabbed and cuffed the nurse and placed her under arrest.
The Washington Post story is here. The longer Salt Lake Tribune story, with more details of the encounter, is here.
Some of my earlier posts about hospitals' non-compliance with police are here, here, and here.
They didn't need his blood to "protect" the truck driver. The insurance company or State Police needed the blood to defend themselves in a civil suit. Dig up contributory/comparative negligence---it's all about delay, deny and on don't pay. The coppers were doing the insurance company's bidding.
Posted by: Deep State Special Legal Counsel | September 01, 2017 at 02:12 PM
I think some of the blame here should be attributed to our leader Trump. With his pardon of Sheriff Arpaio, cops now have carte blanche to do what they want. Our Leader upended our system of checks and balances. The thinking goes, the Constitution and Bill of Rights are for Philadelphia and Washington museums when you have Trump at your side, right or wrong.
Posted by: Deep State Special Legal Counsel | September 02, 2017 at 01:00 AM