Reimund v. C. Mitchell, M.D

In Reimund v. C. Mitchell, M.D. (April 9, 1996), Franklin App. No. 95APE11-1545, 1996 Ohio App, plaintiff brought suit against his doctor and hospital, alleging defamation with regard to his medical records. In affirming the lower court's granting of summary judgment in favor of the defendants, doctor and hospital, the Court of Appeals stated the following: "A claim for defamation requires proof that the party being sued 'published' to a third party information which was false and which harmed the reputation of the person filing the lawsuit. In certain situations, the communication can be the subject of a qualified privilege." "Mr. Reimund has not demonstrated that either Dr. Mitchell or Riverside caused Dr. Mitchell's medical impressions to be shared with anyone not employed by Riverside. He has also failed to show that his reputation was in any way damaged with anyone who is or was employed by Riverside, so he has failed to show that he was damaged by the limited publication for which Riverside and Dr. Mitchell are responsible."