CHICAGO, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- A Chicago hospital seeking to discharge an elderly patient wants a judge to revoke the power of attorney held by the woman's daughter, court documents indicate.
Janet Bedin is fighting Northwestern Memorial Hospital over its decision to release her 86-year-old mother, Dolores, who is terminally ill with pancreatic cancer, the Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday.
Northwestern said in court documents Dolores Bedin has been medically ready for release since Sept. 18 but Janet Bedin said her mother isn't strong enough to go home.
In its petition, Northwestern asks that a public guardian be appointed for Dolores Bedin on grounds her daughter is not acting in the patient's best interests.
"Having to advocate on behalf of our patients in the courts is rare, and it is only done after careful thought and team consultations," said Kris Lathan, director of media and public relations.
Documents provided by Janet Bedin indicated Medicare has rejected claims to reimburse the hospital because Bedin's hospitalization is no longer deemed medically necessary.
