Myrtle Beach Hospital, Inc. v. City of Myrtle Beach

PLEICONES, Justice:

We granted certiorari to decide whether the 'Court of Appeals was correct in holding that a city is not obligated to pay a hospital for medical care rendered to the city’s pretrial detainees. Myrtle Beach Hospital v. City of Myrtle Beach, 388 S.C. 590, 510 S.E.2d 439 (Ct.App.1998). We affirm the Court of Appeals holding that the Hospital cannot recover under any of the theories it advances, but modify the quantum meruit test used by the Court of Appeals.

FACTS

Respondents (the City) operate a lock-up facility to house pre-trial detainees. Pursuant to the City’s policy, if a…