Maheshwari v. Vista Hosp. Sys., Inc.

Maheshwari v. Vista Hosp.
Sys., Inc.,
No. E031768 (Cal.Ct.App. Sept. 9, 2003)

A
hospital found that a physician made inappropriate comments in violation of
its sexual harassment policy, spoke to him about the issue, gave him a copy
of the policy, and issued two letters of warning to him. The physician filed
suit claiming, among other things, violation of common law fair procedure. The
court held that fair procedure was not required because the letters, unlike
a denial, termination, or suspension of privileges, did not significantly impair
the physician’s ability to practice medicine and therefore did not affect an
important, substantial economic interest. The court also held that, even if
fair procedure was required, it was provided by the hospital since it had provided
adequate notice and a reasonable opportunity to respond.