Ex Parte Ridgeview Health Care Center, Inc.

Ridgeview Health Care Center, Inc., seeks a writ of mandamus directing Walker Circuit Judge Hugh Beaird to vacate his order compelling Ridgeview to respond to certain discovery requests seeking information that Ridgeview argues is not discoverable under provisions of the Alabama Medical Liability Act of 1987 and the Alabama Medical Liability Act of 1996. We grant the petition.

I

Ridgeview is a "health care provider" within the meaning of the Alabama Medical Liability Act of 1987. See Ala. Code 1975, §6-5-542(1). Lima Hayes had Alzheimer's disease and was a patient at Ridgeview. In November…