Ex Parte Krothapalli

The question presented by this petition for the writ of mandamus is whether certain records of two hospitals relating to a staff physician are privileged under state law and, therefore, not subject to discovery. The trial judge held that the records were discoverable. We conclude that she erred. Therefore, we grant the petition for a writ of mandamus directing the trial judge to vacate her orders compelling discovery and to quash the subpoenas for the records.

Jeanne McCluskey, as personal representative of the estate of Robert V. McCluskey, filed a wrongful-death action against Dr. Radha…