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Opinion letter nets medical device

Most of the names in these stories have been changed to protect privacy.

When Walter Sporl went into one of California’s state hospitals, the authorities took a medical device away from him. Without the device, said Mr. Sporl, his physical problems got worse. So he asked the San Diego office for help.

Staff in the San Diego office sent an opinion letter to the hospital’s medical director, asking the hospital to return Mr. Sporl’s medical device. They explained that:

  • Mr. Sporl has a right to medical care; and
  • The hospital cannot restrict use of a medical device.

Soon after the San Diego staff members sent the letter, the hospital gave back the medical device. Mr. Sporl says that, since the return of his medical device, his physical ailments are not as severe as they were before.