Monday, October 22, 2007

Ventura County Public Health Officer v. Adalberto M. (Cal. Ct. App. - Oct. 22, 2007)

Depressing. On multiple levels:

"In early August 2006, Adalberto M., a 37-year old homeless man with a history of heroin and methamphetamine use, was admitted to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) after testing positive for tuberculosis (TB). TB is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. The next day, the director of Ventura County's tuberculosis program, Dr. Kurt Cook, issued an Order of Isolation directing appellant to stay in a motel room the county provided for him while he completed taking a course of medication. Appellant agreed to, and signed, the isolation order. Public health staff took him to a motel and stocked the room with food, drinks, a refrigerator and a microwave oven. Appellant stayed there for about six days at the county's expense. Then, he checked out, forsaking his free room, board, and medicine. He did so to purchase illegal drugs."