Bolieu v. Sisters of Providence in Washington

OPINION

EASTAUGH, Justice.

I. INTRODUCTION

The issue presented is whether a residential health care facility owes to the spouses of the facility’s nursing assistants any duty of care to control infections or warn of the danger of infection. The superior court held that it does not. Because we conclude that the relevant considerations warrant imposing a duty of care, we reverse.

II. FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

Gwen Bolieu and Bodhmati Oliver were employed as nursing assistants at Our Lady of Compassion Care Center (Our Lady).1 They are respectively married to Walter Bo-lieu and Orlin Oliver. Sisters of…