Hale v. Shinn et al, No. 4:2020cv00558 - Document 106 (D. Ariz. 2023)
Court Description: ORDER granting 92 Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment. The Clerk of the Court shall enter judgment accordingly. (See attached Order for complete details) Signed by Judge John C Hinderaker on 4/3/2023. (MCO)
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1 WO 2 3 4 5 6 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 7 FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA 8 9 Kilian Gregoire Hale, Plaintiff, 10 11 v. 12 David Shinn, et al., 13 No. CV-20-00558-TUC-JCH ORDER Defendants. 14 15 In this case, incarcerated pro se Plaintiff alleges Defendant Warren failed to treat 16 his migraine headaches and COVID-19 symptoms, and Defendant Ferguson failed to 17 ensure adequately staffed and trained medical services at the Arizona State Prison 18 Complex ("ASPC") Whetstone Unit in Tucson. 19 Before the Court is Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment (Doc. 92). The 20 motion is fully briefed. See Docs. 98, 105. Plaintiff's evidence does not support his 21 allegations. Instead, the evidence shows that Warren, Ferguson, and other members of 22 ASPC-Tucson's medical staff were consistently responsive to Plaintiff's needs. They 23 prescribed Plaintiff Tylenol and Zyrtec, assigned him to light duty, ordered EKGs and 24 labs, and regularly recorded his symptoms and vital signs. Plaintiff's suit is based entirely 25 on his opinion that he should have received Excedrin and been referred to a specialist. 26 For the reasons below, the Court will grant summary judgment for Defendants. 27 /// 28 /// 1 2 I. Background A. Plaintiff's Complaint and the Court's Screening Order 3 On July 28, 2021, Plaintiff filed his Second Amended Complaint. Doc. 19. That 4 October, the Court dismissed all claims and defendants except a denial-of-medical-care 5 claim against Defendants Warren and Ferguson. Doc. 21; see also Doc. 100 (rejecting 6 Plaintiff's subsequent attempts to pursue other claims). The Court's Order distilled the 7 following allegations connected to Warren and Ferguson: 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 On August 26, 2020 [after testing positive for COVID-19], Plaintiff submitted a Health Needs Request (HNR), and was seen for an E.K.G. [Doc. 19 at 6.] Plaintiff was prescribed Tylenol for his headaches, but "never saw the provider, Defendant N.P. Alice Warren." Id. On September 3, 2020, Plaintiff was assigned to a "hard labor" job in the kitchen, which made his symptoms worse. Id. On September 10, 2020, Plaintiff submitted another HNR, and was told that he would be scheduled to see "the provider" (presumably, Defendant Warren). Id. at 7. A nurse told Plaintiff that she would ask Warren to prescribe Excedrin for Plaintiff's headaches in the meantime. Plaintiff never received any Excedrin. Id. On September 12, 2020, Plaintiff submitted an informal complaint resolution, and, on October 6, 2020, he submitted a medical grievance to Defendant Ferguson regarding the lack of any visit with Defendant Warren, the failure to receive the Excedrin, and his "increasing serious COVID-related health problems." Id. On October 9, 2020, Plaintiff was seen by Warren. (Doc. 19 at 7.3) Plaintiff told her Tylenol did not work, his symptoms were getting worse, and asked to be referred to a virologist. Warren "dismissed Plaintiff's serious medical needs as being allergies." Id. Plaintiff then asked for Excedrin for his headaches, but Warren "suggested that Plaintiff should purchase ibuprofen from the store if the Tylenol did not help." Id. Plaintiff told Warren that he was indigent and unable to purchase ibuprofen, and, in any event, that he was not supposed to take ibuprofen "due to kidney problems." Id. Plaintiff then "began another round of HNRs," but the only response he received from Ferguson was to "submit an HNR." Id. at 8. After "several months went by without any medical care or treatment," Plaintiff filed several more grievances and HNRs, but was not seen by the provider again or provided any treatment for his symptoms. Id. Plaintiff alleges that the only response to his grievances were from Ferguson directing him to "submit an HNR." Id. Doc. 21 at 4–5. -2- 1 B. Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment 2 In December 2022, Defendants filed a Motion for Summary Judgment with a 3 separate Statement of Facts. Docs. 92, 93. The Court issued a Notice under Rand v. 4 Rowland, 154 F.3d 952, 962 (9th Cir. 1998), informing Plaintiff of his obligation to 5 respond to the Motion and the requirements for doing so. Doc. 94. The Rand Notice 6 warned Plaintiff that "if he 'fail[ed] to controvert the moving party with opposing 7 counter-affidavits or other evidence, the moving party's evidence might be taken as the 8 truth.'" Id. at 1. The Notice also warned Plaintiff that if he did "not submit [his] own 9 evidence in opposition, summary judgment … may be entered against [him]." Id. at 2. 10 The Notice also warned Plaintiff that Local Rule of Civil Procedure 56.1(b) "requires that 11 you include with your response to the Motion for Summary Judgment a separate 12 statement of facts[.]" Id. The Notice further warned that the "separate statement of facts 13 must include numbered paragraphs corresponding to the Defendants' … separate 14 statement of facts." Id. The Notice also provided the full text of LRCiv 56.1(b). Id. 15 C. Plaintiff's Response 16 In January 2023, Plaintiff responded to Defendants' summary judgment motion. 17 Doc. 98. Plaintiff did not file a separate statement of facts. See generally docket. Instead, 18 Plaintiff created a section of his Response titled "Statement of Facts," in which he 19 provides several unnumbered paragraphs summarizing his case. Doc. 98 at 1–3. 20 Plaintiff's Response also makes various factual assertions and arguments in its main 21 body, citing at times to documents attached as exhibits. See Docs. 98, 98-1. 22 II. 23 Legal Standards A. Summary Judgment 24 Summary judgment is appropriate when the parties have no genuine dispute as to 25 any material fact. Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a); see also Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 26 322–23 (1986). A dispute is genuine if a reasonable jury could return a verdict for the 27 nonmovant. Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248, 250 (1986). A fact is 28 material if it might affect the outcome of the suit. Id. The nonmovant must "come -3- 1 forward with specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial." Matsushita 2 Elec. Indus. Co., Ltd. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 587 (1986) (internal citation 3 omitted); see Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c)(1). The court must believe the nonmovant's evidence 4 and draw all inferences in the nonmovant's favor. Liberty Lobby, 477 U.S. at 255. 5 B. Deliberate Indifference 6 To state a § 1983 medical indifference claim, a plaintiff must show (1) a "serious 7 medical need" such that failure to treat the condition could result in further significant 8 injury or the unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain, and (2) the defendant's response 9 was deliberately indifferent. Jett v. Penner, 439 F.3d 1091, 1096 (9th Cir. 2006). To act 10 with deliberate indifference, a prison official must both know of and disregard an 11 excessive risk to inmate health; "the official must both be aware of facts from which the 12 inference could be drawn that a substantial risk of serious harm exists, and he must also 13 draw the inference." Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U.S. 825, 837 (1994). Deliberate 14 indifference in the medical context may be shown by a purposeful act or failure to 15 respond to a prisoner's pain or possible medical need and harm caused by the 16 indifference. Jett, 439 F.3d at 1096. Deliberate indifference may also be shown when a 17 prison official intentionally denies, delays, or interferes with medical treatment or by the 18 way prison doctors respond to the prisoner's medical needs. Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. 19 97, 104–05 (1976); Jett, 439 F.3d at 1096. 20 "Deliberate indifference is a high legal standard[,]" Toguchi v. Chung, 391 F.3d 21 1051, 1060 (9th Cir. 2004)—higher than negligence or lack of ordinary due care for the 22 prisoner's safety. Farmer, 511 U.S. at 835. "A difference of opinion does not amount to 23 deliberate indifference to [a plaintiff's] serious medical needs." Sanchez v. Vild, 891 F.2d 24 240, 242 (9th Cir. 1989). Similarly, a medical decision not to prescribe a given treatment 25 is not deliberate indifference. Estelle, 429 U.S. at 107. And a mere delay in medical care, 26 without more, is insufficient to state a claim against prison officials for deliberate 27 indifference. See Shapley v. Nev. Bd. of State Prison Comm'rs, 766 F.2d 404, 407 (9th 28 Cir. 1985). The indifference must be substantial—it must rise to a level of "unnecessary -4- 1 and wanton infliction of pain." Estelle, 429 U.S. at 105. Where medical personnel have 2 been "consistently responsive" to an inmate's medical needs, and there has been no 3 showing of "subjective knowledge and conscious disregard of a substantial risk of serious 4 injury," summary judgment is appropriate. Toguchi, 391 F.3d at 1061. 5 III. Facts Supported by the Record 6 The Court will consider all aspects of Plaintiff's Response despite its failure to 7 comply with the local rules governing summary judgment responses. This approach is 8 consistent with the Ninth Circuit approach to pro se prisoners, particularly where they 9 have made at least some effort to comply with the rules. See, e.g., Rainwater v. Alarcon, 10 268 F. App'x 531, 534 (9th Cir. 2008); Davis v. Gardiner, 205 F.3d 1350 (9th Cir. 1999). 11 Ordinarily, a failure to file an opposing separate statement of facts results in the Court 12 accepting the moving party's facts as undisputed. Here, the Court's Rand Notice 13 explained to Plaintiff that a separate statement of facts was required, together with 14 citations to the record. The Notice also explained the consequences of failing to dispute 15 Defendants' facts with record evidence. And Plaintiff could have seen exactly what was 16 required by observing Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment and concurrently filed 17 Separate Statement of Facts. Despite all this, Plaintiff has not entirely disregarded the 18 rules. His Response includes a "Statement of Facts" section that, although not filed 19 separately, is separated from the rest of the brief. See Doc. 98 at 2. And Plaintiff's 20 Response includes citations to attached "Exhibits A–W." Doc. 98-1. Considering 21 Plaintiff's effort and the Court's mandate, the Court will search Plaintiff's Response and 22 Exhibits determine whether a genuine issue of material fact requires trial of his case. 23 But the Court will not accept Plaintiff's allegations and characterizations as true if 24 they lack support in the record. Allegations are taken as true at the motion to dismiss 25 stage—not at summary judgment. At summary judgment, the Court is looking for 26 genuine disputes established by the record to see if a reasonable jury could return a 27 verdict for Plaintiff. The Court will believe Plaintiff's evidence and draw inferences from 28 it in Plaintiff's favor. But that does not require the Court to believe every allegation. See, -5- 1 e.g., Marks v. United States, 578 F.2d 261, 263 (9th Cir. 1978) ("Conclusory allegations 2 unsupported by factual data will not create a triable issue of fact."). 3 The following facts are drawn from Plaintiff's evidence, or from Plaintiff's 4 administrative record and Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and 5 Reentry ("ADCRR") policy documents provided by Defendants. 6 i. ADCRR Policies Governing Inmate Health Services 7 The ADCRR Health Services Technical Manual governs routine healthcare 8 service requests by inmates. Doc. 93-5 at 2–4. Inmates may make a non-emergency 9 health appointment by submitting a Health Needs Request ("HNR"). Doc. 93-5 at 3 10 ¶¶ 1.1, 1.2. HNRs are triaged by nursing staff, who determine whether an HNR requires 11 an appointment in the "nursing line" or the "provider line." Doc. 93-5 at 4 ¶ 3.0. The 12 nursing line is for "routine services such as … vital sign checks" as well as follow-ups 13 ordered by providers. Doc. 93-9 at 4 ¶ 3.2. The nursing line may also refer inmates to the 14 "provider line." Doc. 93-9 at 4. ¶ 3.4. The "provider line" is not clearly defined by the 15 ADCRR policy documents, but both parties refer to it as providing more expansive care 16 than the nursing line. See, e.g., Doc. 93 at 3–4; Doc. 98 at 8. Warren is a nurse 17 practitioner serving on the provider line. See, e.g., Doc. 93 at 3–4; Doc. 98 at 8. 18 ADCRR Department Order 802 governs inmate medical grievance procedures. 19 Doc. 93-2 at 2–7. An inmate challenging an aspect of confinement must first file an 20 "Informal Complaint Resolution" form. Doc. 93-2 at 4 ¶ 2.1. Informal Complaints are 21 addressed by the Contract Facility Director of Nursing. Doc. 93-2 at 5 ¶ 2.3.3.1. If the 22 Nursing Director's response does not resolve an inmate's complaint, the inmate may file a 23 medical "Formal Grievance." Doc. 93-2 at 6 ¶ 5.1. Formal Grievances are investigated 24 and addressed by the Contract Facility Health Administrator. Id. Ferguson was the 25 ASPC-Tucson Facility Health Administrator until September 4, 2021. Doc. 93-1 at 2 ¶ 1. 26 ii. July 2020 27 Several health issues predate Plaintiff's July 2020 transfer to the Whetstone Unit. 28 On various dates before transferring Plaintiff was assessed with a pinched low back -6- 1 nerve, cystic kidney disease, schizophrenia, antisocial personality disorder, low back 2 pain, "other diseases of stomach and duodenum," anxiety disorder, major depressive 3 disorder, and "other somatoform disorders." See Doc. 93-10 at 128–130. Shortly before 4 transferring, Plaintiff was also assessed with a "productive cough and wheezing" (April 5 16, 2020) and "nasal congestion" (May 5, 2020). Doc. 93-10 at 129. When he transferred, 6 Plaintiff had prescriptions for Wellbutrin, commonly used as an antidepressant, and 7 Claritin, commonly used to treat allergies. Id. 8 iii. August 2020 9 On August 4, 2020, Plaintiff tested positive for COVID-19. Doc. 93-10 at 56. On 10 August 17, 2020, after a 14-day quarantine, Plaintiff was discharged as non-symptomatic 11 "COVID recovered." See Doc. 93-10 at 53. 12 On August 27, 2020, Plaintiff submitted two nearly identical HNRs. Doc. 98-1 at 13 8–9. The HNRs alleged "constant head-aches for the past 3 weeks," "sharp pains around 14 my heart," congestion, lost sense of smell and taste, light-headedness, and dizziness. Id. 15 The next day, Plaintiff submitted another HNR alleging "constant dull pain" in his chest, 16 feelings of being "about to have a heart attack," "sick, nauseated, numb in [his] left hand, 17 a continual headache, sore throat, coughing," light-headedness, and dizziness. Doc. 98-1 18 at 10. Plaintiff's HNRs were signed by "F Holmes RN" on August 28, 2020. Doc. 98-1 at 19 8–9. They include a "Plan of Action" that states, "Seen on [nursing line,] Cetirizine 20 [generic for Zyrtec] and acetaminophen [generic for Tylenol] ordered." Id. A third HNR 21 from August 27 is marked "Duplicate HNR" and signed by a different, unidentified staff 22 member with the "Plan of Action" left blank. Doc. 98-1 at 10. 23 On August 28, 2020, Plaintiff's medical record shows he was seen in the nursing 24 line by "F[a]y Holmes," a registered nurse. Doc. 93-10 at 105–110. The medical record of 25 Plaintiff's visit provides Plaintiff's subjective symptoms, capturing the issues identified in 26 Plaintiff's HNRs. Id. at 105–106. The record characterizes Plaintiff's chest pain as "now 27 1/10" and "at worst: 5/10." Doc. 93-10 at 105. The medical record also provides objective 28 symptoms determined by Nurse Holmes or staff: clear lungs, regular pulse, warm and dry -7- 1 skin, and a non-tender abdomen. Id. at 106. The medical record shows an EKG was 2 ordered. Id.; see also Doc. 93-10 at 19 (EKG results). Plaintiff's EKG is marked 3 "Normal." Doc. 93-10 at 19. The record concludes with a "Nursing Diagnosis" of "Chest 4 Pain [and] Allergies/headache." Doc. 93-10 at 107. 5 Aspects of Plaintiff's August 28 nursing-line visit and his EKG are attributed to 6 Defendant "A. Warren Nurse Practitioner." Doc. 93-10 at 19, 108–110. Defendant 7 Warren signed Plaintiff's EKG and authorized a Zyrtec and 30-day Tylenol prescription. 8 Doc. 93-10 at 19, 108–110. Under a medical record section titled "Ordered Drug 9 Prescriptions," the Zyrtec prescription status reads "Order Accepted at Pharmacy," and 10 the Tylenol prescription status reads "Received from Pharmacy." Doc. 93-10 at 108. The 11 Zyrtec prescription expires November 20, 2020, and the Tylenol prescription expires 12 September 26, 2020. Id. 13 iv. September 2020 14 On September 8, 2020,1 Plaintiff submitted a new HNR. Doc. 98-1 at 11. The 15 HNR alleged that Plaintiff was "still experiencing chest pains, sore throat, fatigued, 16 coughing, loss of smell and taste, nausea, congestion, runny nose and other symptoms 17 that are not going away after being sick from the COVID-19 virus." Id. The HNR also 18 alleges that Plaintiff is "still getting headaches [despite] the Tylenol medical gave me." 19 Id. The HNR is again signed by "F. Holmes, RN," and states "Seen on [nursing line,] 20 EKG normal." Id. Plaintiff's EKG is again marked "Normal," and signed by Defendant 21 "A. Warren Nurse Practitioner." Doc. 93-10 at 18. 22 The September 8 medical record notes that Plaintiff "complains of intermittent 23 chest pain [but] denies pain at this time." Doc. 93-10 at 181. The record notes Plaintiff's 24 chest pain as "now 1/10" and "at worst: 4/10." Doc. 93-10 at 180. The record further 25 notes that Plaintiff was "recently prescribed [Zyrtec] but … states he never got it. 26 Medication refilled." Id.; see also Doc. 93-10 at 28 (issuing Zyrtec). The medical record 27 also provides the results of an objective examination: clear lungs, regular pulse, warm 28 1 The HNR is dated “9/10/2020,” but the staff treatment date is marked “Sep. 8, 2020.” -8- 1 and dry skin, and a non-tender abdomen. Id. at 106. The record concludes with a 2 "Nursing Diagnosis" of "Allergic rhinitis [allergies]." Doc. 93-10 at 182. Plaintiff's 3 "Prescription Orders" include Zyrtec expiring "11/25/2020," and Tylenol expiring 4 "9/26/2020," and are marked "Received from Pharmacy." Doc. 93-10 at 183. 5 On September 12, 2020, Plaintiff filed an "Informal Complaint Resolution." Doc. 6 98-1 at 12. In the Informal Complaint, Plaintiff alleges the symptoms outlined in his 7 HNRs. See id. Plaintiff disputes his diagnosis of anxiety and allergies. Id. He explains 8 that "anxiety is not the problem" because it never included chest pain in the past, and 9 because the chest pains occur even when Plaintiff is relaxed. Id. He further explains that 10 he has "never had allergies in [his] life." Id. Plaintiff concludes that he needs to see "the 11 doctor here instead of the nursing staff because there has to be some kind of health 12 problem related to these chest pains." Id. 13 On September 29, 2020, the "[Director of Nursing] Padovano" responded to 14 Plaintiff's Informal Complaint. Doc. 98-1 at 13. Reviewing Plaintiff's medical record, the 15 Director noted that Plaintiff was scheduled to meet a provider on October 9, 2020, and 16 concluded that Plaintiff's Informal Complaint was thus resolved. Id. 17 v. October 2020 18 On October 6, 2020, three days before his scheduled provider appointment, 19 Plaintiff filed a Formal Grievance. Doc. 98-1 at 14. The Grievance alleged that although 20 "the 'Response' [to Plaintiff's Informal Complaint] states that I am scheduled to see the 21 doctor, [the issue] is not resolved until I do." Id. Plaintiff alleged "ever increasing 22 headaches, chest pains and now pressure in [his] eyes effecting [his] vision." Id. He also 23 alleged "non stop migraine headaches to the point that I am developing some type of 24 foggy brain syndrome, and unable to think clearly." Id. Plaintiff concludes, "I need to see 25 a doctor to figure out what is happening." Id. 26 On October 9, 2020, Plaintiff appeared on the provider line for his scheduled 27 appointment. Doc. 93-10 at 49–52. Warren treated Plaintiff. Id. at 49. Warren recorded 28 Plaintiff's subjective symptoms, including "intermittent chest pain 2x weekly – starts after -9- 1 working in kitchen – which causes back pain – then leads to headache – then leads to 2 chest pain." Id. Warren noted Plaintiff "denies fever/chills, [shortness of breath]/cough, 3 chest pain/palpitations." Id. Warren also noted Plaintiff "believes chest pain is caused 4 initially from back pain – also caused from stress and anxiety." Id. Warren also noted 5 "chronic intermittent … low back pain since 2013 – caused from injury – currently taking 6 Tylenol." Id. Warren reviewed Plaintiff's September 8 EKG and an MRI of his spine. Id. 7 She conducted a physical exam, recording "afebrile, … no cough, … no heart murmur, 8 … mild tenderness in the lumbosacral spine area." Id. Finally, Defendant Warren ordered 9 a lab diagnostic panel, issued a "Special Needs Order" assigning Plaintiff to light work 10 duty for one year, and recorded "Plan Notes" including "cont[inue] Tylenol, [Special 11 Needs Order] … HNR as needed." Id. at 51. 12 On October 27, 2020, Ferguson responded to Plaintiff's Grievance, in which he 13 alleged the need to see a provider. Doc. 98-1 at 15. Ferguson noted Plaintiff's October 9 14 visit with Warren and concluded Plaintiff's issue had been addressed. Id. This was 15 Ferguson's only interaction with Plaintiff on the evidence before the Court. 16 vi. December 2020 17 On December 1, 2020, Plaintiff submitted another HNR. Doc. 98-1 at 16. He 18 alleged "constant migraine headaches, trouble thinking and concentrating, breathing 19 problems and chest pains ever since contracting the COVID-19 virus." Id. Plaintiff 20 acknowledged that his sense of taste and smell had returned, but that "all other symptoms 21 remain." Id. Plaintiff requested "to see the doctor (not the nurse) as soon as possible." Id. 22 Plaintiff's HNR is signed by "K. William, RN," and the "Plan of Action" section states 23 "Seen on [nursing line]." Id. The HNR does not mention Warren. Id. 24 A December 2, 2020 medical record indicates Plaintiff was seen on the nursing 25 line. Doc. 93-10 at 172–176. The record of his visit notes subjective symptoms of 26 headache pain at "now 5/10" and "at worst: 9/10." Id. at 172. Plaintiff stated that he was 27 taking Tylenol but "sometimes it does not help." Id. at 173. The medical visit record 28 notes that Plaintiff had a "headache 5/10" and "denie[s] having [chest pain,] no signs of - 10 - 1 acute distress[, and] refused to see mental health to help with concentration." Id. The 2 record provides "Plan Notes" instructing Plaintiff to "drink plenty of fluids (water)[, and] 3 continue Tylenol for pain management." Id. at 175. The record also provides in 4 "Headache – Plan/Intervention" that "No referral to Provider Necessary," and "[over-the- 5 counter] medication per site guideline. List: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Excedrin[.]" Id. 6 The medical visit record does not mention Warren. Id. 7 On December 28, 2020, Plaintiff filed his original complaint, which did not name 8 Ferguson or Warren as defendants. Doc. 1 at 1. Plaintiff alleged, among other things, that 9 he was suffering "constant migraine headaches, difficulty to think or concentrate, trouble 10 breathing normally, irregular heartbeat and constant chest pains, and very alarming." 11 Doc. 1 at 10. Plaintiff further alleged "Medical is claiming these are allergy symptoms, 12 but have never suffered from allergies, and only issue Tylenol." Id. The Court dismissed 13 Plaintiff's complaint for failure to file on a court-approved form but granted leave to 14 refile and provided a form. Doc. 5. 15 vii. February 2021 16 17 On February 11, 2021, Plaintiff's "Electronic Documents/Images" history has an entry marked "COVID TEST RESULTS." Doc. 93-10 at 222. 18 On February 25, 2021, Plaintiff submitted another HNR. Doc. 98-1 at 17. Plaintiff 19 realleged "loss of taste and smell" despite having allegedly regained it in December, as 20 well as "trouble breathing, chest pains, fatigue, constant headaches, irregular body 21 temperature, loss of memory, trouble thinking and concentrating, rashes, trouble sleeping, 22 body numbness, [and] loss of voice." Id. The HNR was signed by "C. Franco LPN," is 23 marked "[nursing line]," and reports "last covid test was negative 12/30/20." Id. An 24 associated medical record characterizes the "Inmate Health Issue" as "concerned about 25 lingering covid." Doc. 93-10 at 30. The HNR is signed by staff "U. Mullaney LPN" and 26 provides a "Plan of Action" of "Provider review." Doc. 93-10 at 5 (providing a more 27 legible copy of Doc. 98-1 at 18). The HNR does not mention Warren. Id. 28 /// - 11 - 1 viii. March 2021 2 On March 7, 2021, Plaintiff submitted another HNR. Doc. 98-1 at 18. He alleged 3 "difficulty breathing, easily winded, constant headaches and chest pains, trouble sleeping, 4 trouble thinking and concentrating, memory problems, loss of taste and smell, and easily 5 fatigued." Id. He referred to the February HNR and stated he needs "to see a doctor about 6 my health." Id. The HNR does not mention Warren. Id. 7 A March 7, 2021 medical record indicates Plaintiff was seen on the nursing line. 8 Doc. 93-10 at 82–87. The record of his visit notes subjective symptoms of "[shortness of 9 breath], headache, trouble sleeping." Id. at 82. In the record's "Objective Notes" section, 10 it states that Plaintiff's headache pain was "5/10 aching," but "chest pain no longer 11 present." Id at 83. It further states that Plaintiff had clear lungs, regular cardiac rhythm, 12 "EKG completed, reading, 'normal sinus rhythm." Id. The record further sates "[EKG] 13 emailed to … provider Warren for interpretation." Id. The EKG reads "Normal" but does 14 not have Warren's signature. Doc. 93-10 at 15. The medical visit reports that "[Plaintiff] 15 states home medication available for pain." Doc. 93-10 at 85. Finally, Plaintiff was 16 advised "to report to medical" with any further issues. Id. at 86. 17 18 On March 25, 2021, Plaintiff's "Electronic Documents/Images" history has an entry marked "COVID-19 IMMUNIZATION CONSENT." Doc. 93-10 at 221. 19 On March 29, 2021, Plaintiff filed his second Informal Complaint. Doc. 98-1 at 20 19. He alleged long-term COVID issues including "fatigue, memory and thought 21 problems, motor skill problems, insomnia, constant headaches and body numbness, chest 22 pains, difficulty breathing, coughing, always feeling sick." Id. He further alleged that 23 "other than chest pains, these other medical problems are not addressed. I keep putting in 24 HNRs thinking I'm going to see the doctor/provider but it's always the nurses line, and 25 can't even get Tylenol anymore." Id. Plaintiff requested to "see an outside doctor cause 26 medically the doctor here is not addressing these health problems, and believe that there 27 is serious medical problems taking place." Id. Plaintiff concluded by highlighting the 28 possibility of "organ damage, brain damage, [or] internal infection," and emphasizing the - 12 - 1 2 "need to see a real doctor." Id. The Informal Complaint does not mention Warren. Id. ix. April 2021 3 On April 7, 2021, Plaintiff submitted an HNR for back pain and requested 4 Gabapentin. Doc. 93-10 at 4. He alleged that he was losing sleep and in pain due to 5 bulging discs and a pinched ulna nerve, and that "Tylenol and Ibuprofen is not helping." 6 Id. Plaintiff was referred to the provider line on April 9, 2021, by "A. Salgado RN." Id. 7 The HNR does not mention Warren. Id. 8 An April 14, 2021 medical record indicates Warren examined Plaintiff regarding 9 his April 7 HNR. Doc. 93-10 at 42–46. Defendant Warren reviewed an MRI of Plaintiff's 10 spine and an October 9, 2020 provider note reporting Plaintiff's "intermittent 11 dull/aching/sharp low back pain since 2013 – caused from injury – currently taking 12 Tylenol." Id. at 42. Warren noted no cardiorespiratory symptoms. Id. Warren also 13 recorded that Plaintiff "declines physical therapy or antidepressant for pain – taking 14 Tylenol" and Plaintiff "became agitated and walked out of provider visit." Id. Warren's 15 "Plan Notes" report "chronic pain – [continue] meds … HNR as needed." Id. at 44. 16 On April 16, 2021, Nursing Director Danielle Dennis responded to Plaintiff's 17 second Informal Complaint. Doc. 98-1 at 20. Director Dennis stated that she reviewed 18 Plaintiff's chart, noting that he "submitted two HNRs related to [concerns about lingering 19 COVID symptoms] and [was] seen once by a registered nurse." Id. The Director 20 continued that "[c]onsults to outside medical providers are generated by our providers 21 when necessary. If your concerns have not been addressed please submit another HNR 22 with your specific complaint[.]" Id. 23 On April 17, 2021, Plaintiff signed two HNRs subsequently marked "cancelled per 24 inmate request." Compare Doc. 98-1 at 21, with Doc. 93-10 at 2–3. In one Plaintiff 25 alleged "difficulty breathing and gasping for air, severe memory problems, body 26 numbness, constant headaches, irregular body movements and motor skill problems, 27 vision problems, trouble urinating, [and] chest pains." Doc. 98-1 at 21, Doc 93-10 at 2. 28 The HNR requested a specialist. Id. In the other HNR, Plaintiff alleged "sharp nerve pain - 13 - 1 in my left arm (due to a pinched ulna nerve), and this pain is constant, as is the pain in my 2 back from bulging discs." Doc. 93-10 at 3. The second HNR requested "a different doctor 3 because the one I just saw will not do anything." Id. Both HNRs were "cancelled per 4 inmate request" and signed "A Warren." Doc. 93-10 at 2–3. 5 On April 20, 2021, Plaintiff's "Electronic Documents/Images" history has an entry 6 marked "REFUSAL TO CONTINUE ECOUNTER." Doc. 93-10 at 221. On April 21, 7 2021, there is an entry marked "Refusal to continue encounter." Id. On April 23, 2021, 8 there is an entry marked "COVID-19 IMMUNIZATION CONSENT." Id. 9 On April 24, 2021, Plaintiff signed a second Inmate Grievance. Doc. 98-1 at 22. 10 Plaintiff repeated his allegations of severe long-term COVID symptoms, a "pattern of 11 ignoring and denying medical treatment" and the need to see a specialist. Id. The 12 "Received By" section of Plaintiff's second Grievance is faintly marked "Brice," Title 13 "CoII," Badge Number "10459," and dated "4 24 21." Id. Unlike Plaintiff's first 14 Grievance, the second Grievance is not signed or dated by a Grievance Coordinator, and 15 the sections at the bottom titled "Staff Member's Signature," "Badge Number," and 16 "Date" are also blank. Compare Doc. 98-1 at 22, with Doc. 98-1 at 14. Plaintiff's second 17 Grievance also does not appear in Defendants' record evidence. Id.; see Docs. 93-1 18 through -10. Plaintiff alleges the April 24 Inmate Grievance was never responded to. 19 Doc. 98 at 13. The Court is obliged to draw all inferences in Plaintiff's favor but cannot 20 infer the Grievance was filed because it lacks a grievance coordinator signature and a 21 staff member signature like Plaintiff's first Grievance. Although the "Received By" 22 section gives some indication that Plaintiff's form was received by "Brice," that is not a 23 party to Plaintiff's suit and Plaintiff provides no explanation for the discrepancy. 24 x. May 2021 (First Amended Complaint) 25 On May 11, 2021, Plaintiff filed his Amended Complaint. Doc. 13. The Amended 26 Complaint named Ferguson as a defendant but not Warren. Id. at 2. The Court dismissed 27 the Amended Complaint for failure to state a claim. Doc. 16. The submitted record does 28 not include further HNRs, Informal Complaints, or Formal Grievances submitted - 14 - 1 between May 11, 2021, and Plaintiff's Second Amended Complaint. See generally Docs. 2 93-1 through -10, 98-1. Plaintiff's "Electronic Documents/Images" history has no HNR 3 entries between April 30, 2021, and March 22, 2022. Doc. 93-10 at 221. 4 xi. July 2021 (Second Amended Complaint) 5 On July 28, 2021, Plaintiff filed his Second Amended Complaint. Doc. 19. The 6 Second Amended Complaint names Warren and Ferguson as defendants. Id. at 2. 7 Plaintiff's Response attaches several records created after his Second Amended 8 Complaint. See Doc. 98-1 at 23–31. Records created after July 28, 2021, cannot support a 9 claim for medical indifference arising before July 28, 2021.2 10 IV. Analysis 11 Summary judgment is appropriate here because Defendants were consistently 12 responsive to Plaintiff's medical needs. Plaintiff fails to provide evidence to support his 13 claims or to call into question his consistently normal medical exams. Plaintiff claims that 14 Defendants were deliberately indifferent to his requests for Excedrin and his lingering 15 COVID-19 symptoms. But the record shows Plaintiff was promptly and appropriately 16 examined after submitting HNRs and had access to Tylenol and Zyrtec for his symptoms. 17 There is no record of a specific request for Excedrin, and no evidence suggesting that 18 Tylenol and Zyrtec were inappropriate. Plaintiff's record also belies Plaintiff's allegations, 19 showing consistently mild or absent symptoms despite HNRs alleging increasingly 20 debilitating symptoms. 21 A. Defendant Warren 22 Summary judgment is warranted for Warren. The record shows only limited 23 connection to Warren, and none of it permits an inference of negligence, much less 24 deliberate indifference. Warren was primarily involved with Plaintiff at two points: a Fall 25 2 26 27 28 For the record, the Court has reviewed Exhibits Q–W and finds they would not change the Court’s analysis in any event. In the exhibits, Plaintiff continues to allege the need to see a doctor and, in two HNRs from 2022, that he needed his Excedrin prescriptions refilled. One of the exhibits is a Grievance Response explaining that Plaintiff was seen, given pain relievers, and Zyrtec and an inhaler. These exhibits do not mention Defendants or support Plaintiff’s claims against Defendants. - 15 - 1 2020 exam concerning Plaintiff's COVID symptoms, and a Spring 2021 exam concerning 2 Plaintiff's back pain. At the Fall 2020 exam, the evidence shows Warren reviewed 3 Plaintiff's EKGs, authorized a Tylenol and Zyrtec prescription for him, examined him, 4 and ordered labs and light duty work. At the Spring 2021 exam, the evidence shows 5 Warren reviewed Plaintiff's medical record and his request for Gabapentin rather than 6 Tylenol or Ibuprofen, conducted a physical exam, and confirmed he had Tylenol. In the 7 Spring 2021 exam, Warren also noted Plaintiff declined physical therapy and an 8 antidepressant that also helps with pain, and that Plaintiff became agitated and walked out 9 of the appointment. Referring both to these specific interactions and generally to his 10 interactions with all ASPC-Tucson medical staff, Plaintiff repeatedly asserts that his care 11 was inadequate but never explains what in the record supports his claims against Warren. 12 i. Fall 2020 Interactions Regarding COVID-19 Symptoms 13 Plaintiff raises several objections to Warren's Fall 2020 treatment of his COVID- 14 19 symptoms. First, Plaintiff asserts that during his October visit with Warren, Warren 15 dismissed him "without any physical examination, nor any assessment." Doc. 98 at 9. He 16 further alleges that Warren told him he was "just trying to get out of working in the 17 kitchen." Id. But the medical record of Plaintiff's October visit shows he was examined 18 and assigned to light duty for a year. Plaintiff never addresses that fact. He does not, for 19 example, allege that the medical records are inaccurate, or engage with the notes in them. 20 Without evidence supporting Plaintiff's claim that Warren did not examine him, and with 21 evidence showing she did, the Court must conclude that Plaintiff is mistaken. 22 Second, Plaintiff asserts that during the same October visit, he had a short 23 conversation with Warren where she refused to give him Excedrin. Plaintiff alleges he 24 told Warren that Tylenol was not working. Id. Plaintiff further alleges Warren replied that 25 he could buy Ibuprofen from the store. Id. Plaintiff further alleges he then told Warren he 26 could not use Ibuprofen due to kidney problems, and Warren "suggested … physical 27 therapy." Id. Plaintiff further alleges that Warren then "refused to prescribe Excedrin that 28 [he] had been requesting repeatedly." Id. Plaintiff further alleges Warren "was fully - 16 - 1 aware … Tylenol did not work nor did [Plaintiff] have any Tylenol left." Even if this 2 alleged conversation were credited, Plaintiff's specific claims are not supported by the 3 record. Plaintiff's 2020 HNRs state only once in September that Plaintiff was "still getting 4 headaches despite the Tylenol medical gave me." Tylenol does not work to prevent 5 headaches, only to reduce their severity. Continuing to get headaches while using Tylenol 6 does not on its own suggest that Tylenol is inadequate. In December, a medical record 7 shows Plaintiff reported that Tylenol "sometimes … does not help." Without more detail, 8 this statement also does not suggest that Tylenol is inadequate, only that it is sometimes 9 inadequate. Plaintiff's December statement also shows that he still had access to Tylenol 10 when he met Warren in October. Setting that to the side, Plaintiff identifies no part of the 11 2020 record where he specifically requested Excedrin and was denied. Plaintiff's HNRs, 12 Informal Complaints, Grievances, and medical examination notes dated before his 13 Second Amended Complaint do not refer to Excedrin. Even if Plaintiff had requested 14 Excedrin, he provides no evidence that Excedrin is so much more effective than Tylenol 15 that substituting Tylenol constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.3 16 Third, Plaintiff asserts that although EKGs were performed when he submitted 17 HNRs alleging chest pain, they were not performed when he was having chest pains. 18 Doc. 98 at 7–8. Plaintiff essentially confirms that the EKGs were normal but implies that 19 they were not effective for evaluating intermittent chest pain. Plaintiff provides no 20 evidence that EKGs are not an appropriate treatment for intermittent chest pain, or that 21 Warren was deliberately indifferent by confirming the EKGs were normal. And Plaintiff 22 provides no evidence from which the Court could infer that Warren or any other provider 23 should have acted differently given Plaintiff's normal exam results. 24 Fourth, Plaintiff disputes that he has ever had allergies, or that anxiety could cause 25 his symptoms. Although Plaintiff's medical record prior to transferring to Whetstone does 26 not include an allergy assessment, it does include assessments of "cough," "wheezing," 27 28 Plaintiff even acknowledges that, after he received Excedrin in 2022, it “did not stop the migraine pain for long[.]” Doc. 98 at 16. 3 - 17 - 1 and "nasal congestion." See, e.g., Doc. 93-10 at 128–130. Plaintiff's record also shows 2 that he arrived at Whetstone with a prescription for Claritin, which is ordinarily used to 3 treat allergies. Id. at 128. Finally, Plaintiff's "Nursing Diagnosis" of "Chest Pain [and] 4 Allergies/headache" and "Allergic rhinitis [allergies]" on August 28 and September 8 are 5 not attributed to Warren. Even permitting the inference that Plaintiff did not have 6 allergies despite these aspects of his record, Plaintiff's dispute is not material because 7 there is no record evidence suggesting that Warren's—or any other healthcare 8 provider's—treatment was appropriate only for allergies. Instead, the record shows that 9 Warren's treatment was based on Plaintiff's subjective symptoms and his medical exam. 10 Plaintiff's dispute that anxiety could not cause his symptoms is unsupported by the record 11 and similarly immaterial. Plaintiff's record shows that he was assessed with "Anxiety 12 disorder" on December 29, 2016. Id. at 129. The Court infers from this that Plaintiff is 13 familiar with some anxiety symptoms. But Plaintiff provides no evidence that anxiety 14 symptoms do not include chest pain. Plaintiff also provides no evidence showing that his 15 chest pain was not adequately treated by performing prompt EKGs and a physical exam. 16 ii. Spring 2021 Interactions Regarding Back Pain 17 In Spring 2021, Defendant Warren treated Plaintiff's HNR alleging low back pain 18 and the need for Gabapentin to manage it. Plaintiff alleges he "was denied any pain 19 medications" and told instead to "take physical therapy … which would only increase the 20 pain." Doc. 98 at 17. Plaintiff further alleges he had previously been given exercises to 21 help his back but they "had negative results." Id. Plaintiff does not address the fact that 22 the day before he saw Warren, he submitted an HNR stating that "Tylenol and Ibuprofen 23 is not helping." That statement implies Plaintiff had access to pain medication, however 24 inadequate he considered it to be. In the same HNR, Plaintiff requested Gabapentin for 25 his pain. Plaintiff does not provide evidence showing that Gabapentin was required for 26 his back pain, or address Warren's affidavit where she explains that Gabapentin is "not 27 ideal in the correctional setting [because it] can be diverted, misused, and abused by 28 inmates due to [its] side effects and addictive qualities." Doc. 93-7 at 9. Plaintiff also - 18 - 1 does not provide evidence showing that Warren's offer of an antidepressant also used to 2 help pain was inadequate or contraindicated. As with his claims about Excedrin, Plaintiff 3 fails to provide evidence that Gabapentin was required under the circumstances such that 4 using Tylenol constituted cruel and unusual punishment. 5 iii. Spring 2021 Cancelled Records 6 Plaintiff alleges that the two HNRs marked "cancelled per inmate request" and 7 signed by Warren were a "false claim by medical staff as there was never any such 8 request, nor is [Defendants' assertion that the HNRs were cancelled at Plaintiff's request] 9 supported by any signed refusal notice (per medical/ADCRR policy) by the plaintiff." 10 Doc. 98 at 13 (emphasis in original). Plaintiff does not explain what a "signed refusal 11 notice" is or provide the ACRR policy requiring it in these circumstances. The Court 12 cannot find it in the policy documents submitted by Defendants. In any event, Plaintiff's 13 dispute is not material because Defendants' liability does not depend on the HNRs. Even 14 viewed as evidence that Warren improperly cancelled two HNRs, the Court cannot 15 conclude that Plaintiff was prejudiced because he made nearly identical requests at his 16 April 14 examination. Plaintiff also provides no evidence that he submitted any other 17 HNRs after the two that were cancelled. Similarly, Plaintiff provides no evidence or even 18 alleges that the cancelled HNRs are related to the second Formal Grievance Plaintiff 19 signed on April 24, 2021, but never filed. The second Grievance could not support a 20 claim against Warren because she was not the Facility Health Administrator, but even if 21 it were related somehow to the HNRs Warren signed, Plaintiff does not allege that he was 22 prevented from refiling his HNRs or Grievances. 23 None of Plaintiff's other allegations, medical records, HNRs, Informal Complaints, 24 or Grievances refer to Warren or otherwise implicate her. Plaintiff has therefore failed to 25 provide evidence demonstrating a genuine issue for trial, and summary judgment is 26 warranted in favor of Warren. 27 B. Defendant Ferguson 28 Summary judgment for Defendant Ferguson is also warranted because she - 19 - 1 promptly and adequately responded to Plaintiff's first Formal Grievance, and Plaintiff's 2 overall care was not constitutionally inadequate. Plaintiff provides no evidence that 3 Ferguson behaved indifferently. Instead, his evidence shows the opposite. Ferguson had 4 one interaction with Plaintiff's record in October 2020, when Ferguson reviewed 5 Plaintiff's first Formal Grievance. Plaintiff's Grievance stated his issues would not be 6 resolved until he attended his scheduled provider appointment. Three days later, he 7 attended that appointment and the provider, Warren, examined him and his medical 8 records, ordered labs, assigned him to light duty for a year, confirmed he still had 9 Tylenol, and advised him to submit HNRs for future needs. Ferguson reviewed Plaintiff's 10 Grievance and record, noted that Plaintiff had seen the provider, and determined 11 Plaintiff's Grievance was resolved. Ferguson was not the Facility Health Administrator 12 when Plaintiff filed his second Formal Grievance. The Court found no evidence that 13 Plaintiff submitted any other Formal Grievance while Ferguson was at ASPC-Tucson. 14 Plaintiff does not even allege that Ferguson's response to his first Grievance was 15 inadequate. Instead, Plaintiff argues that Ferguson is responsible for inadequate staffing 16 at ASPC-Tucson.4 Doc. 98 at 6–7. Plaintiff seeks to support this allegation primarily by 17 citing a portion of a district court order from another case where inadequate staffing was 18 found at ASPC-Tucson. Doc. 98-1 at 2–7 (citing Jenson, et al. v. Shinn, et al., 2:12-cv- 19 00601-ROS Doc. 4335). Plaintiff is presumably a class member of that suit and may 20 expect relief through it accordingly. But he fails to explain how Jenson's legal 21 conclusions or facts relate to his own case specifically. He alleges that Ferguson's 22 inadequate staffing made requests to see a provider "of no avail." Doc. 98 at 8. But 23 Plaintiff timely saw a provider who reviewed his history, conducted an exam, ordered 24 labs, assigned him to light duty, and confirmed he had Tylenol for pain. Plaintiff's other 25 HNRs similarly resulted in evaluation on the nursing line and, in Spring 2021, a full 26 exam by a provider. Plaintiff also fails to explain how his suit is similar to Jenson. Jenson 27 4 28 Plaintiff also alleges that Defendant Ferguson should have “blocked” his transfer to Whetstone due to a COVID-19 outbreak there. Doc. 98 at 4. This allegation is part of a theory of liability that did not survive the Court’s Screening Order. See Doc. 100. - 20 - 1 was a class-action lawsuit alleging constitutionally inadequate staffing. Plaintiff's Second 2 Amended Complaint alleges deliberate indifference for failing to adequately respond to 3 his HNRs. Even if Plaintiff had filed a class-action lawsuit, Jenson was filed in 2012 and 4 tried in 2021. To the extent Plaintiff seeks to impose liability for the issues litigated in 5 Jenson, his case is duplicative and therefore precluded. Plaintiff does not name Centurion 6 as a defendant or allege that Centurion or Ferguson failed to comply with any aspect of 7 Jenson's orders. Jenson therefore cannot support Plaintiff's claim for deliberate 8 indifference against Ferguson. Overall, the record does not support Plaintiff's assertion 9 that he received inadequate treatment due to inadequate staffing because he was promptly 10 seen after each HNR and treated consistently with his symptoms. 11 Plaintiff also argues that Ferguson was responsible for the "grossly inadequate 12 qualifications of staff." Doc. 98 at 14. Throughout Plaintiff's HNRs and other records, he 13 alleged the need to see a doctor, not a nurse. See, e.g., Doc 98-1 at 19. In his Response, 14 he alleges that his COVID symptoms "should have been addressed over a year earlier 15 [than they were] by a virologist or specialist of virus infections and put on monoclona 16 antibodies in order to reduce and relieve the COVID symptoms and health problems early 17 on[.]" Doc. 98 at 14–15. Plaintiff also repeatedly complains that he was only seen on the 18 nursing line and not referred to a provider. See, e.g., Doc. 98 at 12. He alleges his visits to 19 the nursing line resulted in his COVID symptoms continuing "to worsen … causing the 20 plaintiff motor skill problems, and serious health problems[.]" Id. Plaintiff also alleges 21 that by the time Ferguson's responded to his first Grievance he had "wasted 3 months, 3 22 absences from work, and received no adequate medical care." Doc. 98 at 11. Plaintiff 23 concludes that Defendant Ferguson was responsible for these perceived lapses because 24 she was "responsible for all staffing issues[.]" Doc. 98 at 14 (emphasis in original). 25 But Plaintiff does not provide evidence to support his allegations. Plaintiff 26 provides no evidence showing that a virologist or specialist in virus infections is required 27 to diagnose or treat COVID symptoms. Plaintiff does not define "monoclona antibodies" 28 or provide evidence they were required. Plaintiff provides no evidence that a doctor or an - 21 - 1 outside provider were required to treat his symptoms. He just insists they were. That is 2 insufficient to defeat summary judgment, which turns on the record evidence. Even if 3 Plaintiff could support his opinions, that still would not defeat summary judgment to the 4 extent he merely identified a difference of opinion between medical providers, or a 5 medical judgment not to prescribe a certain course of treatment. 6 Plaintiff also does not contend with the evidence presented in his medical record. 7 For example, Plaintiff's August 2020 HNRs alleged headaches, congestion, lost sense of 8 smell and taste, lightheadedness, dizziness, sick, nauseated, numbness in the left hand, 9 sore throat, coughing, and feeling "about to have a heart attack." Plaintiff's December 10 2020 HNR alleged constant migraines, trouble thinking and concentrating, breathing 11 problems, chest pains, and "all other symptoms remain." But Plaintiff's August 12 examination showed mild to moderate pain (1/10 to 5/10), clear lungs, regular pulse, 13 warm and dry skin, a non-tender abdomen, and a normal EKG. Doc. 93-10 at 6. 14 Plaintiff's September examination showed lower reported pain (1/10 to 4/10), clear lungs, 15 regular pulse, warm and dry skin, and non-tender abdomen. At Plaintiff's October 16 examination he reported no fever/chills, no shortness of breath or cough, and no chest 17 pain or palpitations. The October examination also showed no cough, no heart murmur, 18 and a normal EKG, with some mild tenderness in the lower back. And Plaintiff's 19 December examination showed "headache 5/10" but no chest pain, no signs of acute 20 distress, and that Plaintiff "refused to see mental health[] to help with concentration." 21 This contrast between Plaintiff's HNRs and his medical exam results continued in Spring 22 2021. The Court notes a similar contrast between Plaintiff's allegations that he was 23 denied any pain medication and his repeated statements to medical staff that he either was 24 using Tylenol or had access to Tylenol and Ibuprofen. 25 Aside from Plaintiff's personal opinion that his care was inadequate, Plaintiff does 26 not explain how Ferguson's response to his first Formal Grievance or any other actions 27 were deficient. The first Grievance stated Plaintiff needed to see a provider, and he had 28 seen a provider by the time Ferguson reviewed his file. Plaintiff's HNRs were promptly - 22 - 1 recorded, and he was routinely examined at the nursing line. The only apparent issue is 2 that Plaintiff disagreed vehemently with the medical staff's assessment. That is not 3 enough to hold a trial. The record evidence does not support a claim for Ferguson's 4 deliberate indifference, and summary judgment in Ferguson's favor is warranted. 5 C. Unnamed Defendants and Claims Not Properly Before the Court 6 Much of Plaintiff's response is directed not at Defendants, but at former 7 defendants, non-parties, and theories severed by the Court's Screening Order. For 8 example, Plaintiff alleges a cold and flu event at ASPC-Tucson was caused by housing 9 inmates "in prison tents all winter with no heating, of which had been condemned and 10 deemed to be unconstitutional and were in the process of being torn down [when] 11 suddenly reopened as the result of security issues at ASPC-Lewis complex due to the 12 need for level 2 minimum security housing, of which [Plaintiff] caught a cold and flu due 13 to the lack of heating in tents over 20 years old with numerous gaping holes in every 14 tent." Doc. 98 at 3–4. While Plaintiff's allegations are concerning, they do not refer to any 15 part of the record or explain how they support a claim for deliberate indifference against 16 Defendants Warren and Ferguson. Similarly, Plaintiff alleges that "inmates' complaints 17 and COVID symptoms were dismissed since it was medical's priority to end the 18 quarantine so that Whetstone staff did not have to pass out all meals, store property, 19 medications, and mail multiple times throughout the day." Doc. 98 at 5. Plaintiff further 20 alleges that "any inmate continuing to ask for medical treatment [related to COVID] were 21 shipped off the yard and sent to the 'hole' being a place of disciplinary sanctions[.]" Id. 22 Again, Plaintiff's allegations are not supported by the record and do not meaningfully 23 refer to either Defendant. Similar claims against different defendants appeared in 24 Plaintiff's original complaint, amended Complaint, and Second Amended Complaint, and 25 were dismissed for failure to state a claim. See Docs. 1, 13, 16, 19, 21. Similarly, most of 26 Plaintiff's administrative record does not mention Warren and Ferguson, and the medical 27 staff mentioned are not named as defendants. As explained above, Plaintiff does not 28 demonstrate that his care from unnamed medical staff was constitutionally inadequate - 23 - 1 and attributable to Ferguson. 2 Other aspects of Plaintiff's Response refer to theories severed by the Court's 3 Screening Order. For example, Plaintiff alleges that his initial transfer to Whetstone and 4 exposure to COVID-19 violated the Constitution. Doc. 98 at 2–3. The Court addressed 5 this theory in its Screening Order and dismissed it for failure to state a claim. See Doc. 6 21. The Court later confirmed the effect of its Screening Order and gave Plaintiff an 7 opportunity to amend his Response, Doc. 100, which he declined. See Docs. 101, 102. 8 These aspects of Plaintiff's Response also fail to identify a genuine issue for trial. 9 D. Official Capacity and Punitive Damages 10 i. Official Capacity 11 Plaintiff is suing Defendants in their official capacity as well as a personal 12 capacity. To establish his claims against their official capacities, Plaintiff must show a 13 constitutional deprivation resulting from either Defendants' or their employer's policy, 14 custom, or practice. Monnell v. Dep't of Soc. Serv., 436 U.S. 658, 694 (1978). Plaintiff 15 provides no evidence of a constitutional deprivation because his healthcare was generally 16 responsive to his needs. Plaintiff also provides no evidence of a policy, custom, or 17 practice that resulted in a constitutional deprivation. Summary judgment is therefore 18 warranted for both Defendants in their official capacities. 19 ii. Punitive Damages 20 Summary judgment is also warranted for both Defendants on Plaintiff's claim for 21 punitive damages. Punitive damages are not available here because Plaintiff has failed to 22 show entitlement to damages generally. Plaintiff's evidence shows that Defendants were 23 at most negligent in certain aspects of his care, and never acted with the evil intent or 24 reckless disregard required for punitive damages. 25 /// 26 /// 27 /// 28 /// - 24 - 1 V. Order 2 For the reasons above, 3 IT IS ORDERED GRANTING Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment 4 5 (Doc. 92). The Clerk of the Court shall enter judgment accordingly. Dated this 3rd day of April, 2023. 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 - 25 -
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