Healthcare workers and staff in Shreveport and Monroe are taking Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport-St Mary Medical Center and Ochsner LSU Health Monroe to court over mandates by those facilities to be vaccinated. Jimmy Faircloth, an attorney for the plaintiffs, says the suits filed are part of those employees’ fight for medical freedom.
“We’ve been very clear to say that they are not opposed to the vaccine, certainly for some people, and some of these people may actually be vaccinated or get vaccinated; they’re opposed to being told they are going to be disciplined if they don’t get vaccinated,” said Faircloth.
The suit seeks to enforce the affirmative right under Louisiana law to refuse medical treatment. Faircloth says there is no legal backing for the vaccine mandate for healthcare workers and hospital staff. He says the lawsuits filed request a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to enjoin the Ochsner vaccine mandate.
“Every law in Louisiana that recognizes vaccines is qualified by the express right of the patient to opt-out,” according to Faircloth.
Here’s a statement from Ochsner.
“We are aware of yesterday’s filing and are unable to provide further comment about ongoing litigation. We stand firmly behind the science and data that demonstrates the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination. We know that COVID-19 vaccination dramatically reduces transmission, severity of symptoms, hospitalizations, and death.
“Since vaccines were approved in December 2020, approximately 90% of those hospitalized with COVID in our facilities have been unvaccinated. The cost of treating COVID-19 particularly for those requiring intensive care is expensive. One change to our 2022 employee healthcare benefits offering is a cost adjustment for spouses who are not vaccinated against COVID-19. The cost does not apply to employees or non-employed spouses who choose a health plan outside of Ochsner LSU Health.
“We remain committed to improving the health and wellness and will continue to serve as a source of truth and provide ongoing resources, education and vaccine opportunities to our employees and community.”
Chuck Daigle, CEO, Ochsner LSU Health
Comments