Litigation Strategies Utilizing Contract and Fair Housing Laws to Address Resident Dumping in Emergency Rooms by Housing Providers.

Mark Joyce, J.D.

Housing providers often refuse to allow individuals with psychiatric labels to return to their homes after being admitted to a hospital emergency room. This is commonly referred to as “patient dumping”. This workshop will examine the use of federal and state fair housing laws as well as contract and emotional distress claims as potential litigation strategies to address this issue. A case study will be presented that utilized these strategies.