DISMISSED!

The Federal Court in the Southern District of Ohio dismissed a debtor’s claim against Reid Hospital, in Richmond, Indiana, and one of its employees, under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (“FDCPA”). The Court found that the Hospital was a creditor to whom the Plaintiff owed a debt, and therefore could not be held civilly liable under the FDCPA. While the FDCPA is sometimes erroneously used by debtors to challenge hospitals’ attempts to collect unpaid bills, the Act itself clearly states that it applies only to debt collectors, and the term “debt collector” does not include the creditor, its officers, or its employees. Reid Hospital was represented by Kathryn Cordell and David Honig of Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman. For further information about this case, or about any health-care related FDCPA questions, please contact Mr. Honig at (317) 633-4884.