Posted on 07/05/2005 6:47:45 PM PDT by rface
Circuit Judge Thomas Barkdull III ruled Tuesday that he will not restrict the number of investigators who will see the released portions of Rush Limbaugh's medical records.
Investigators may have access to those records in the next few days. In a Tuesday court hearing, Barkdull said he will complete his review of the records this week.
Investigators seized medical records from three of Limbaugh's Palm Beach County doctors and one Los Angeles doctor in late 2003.
Barkdull will decide which records fall within the scope of search warrants used to seize the records and will give those portions to prosecutors investigating allegations that the Palm Beach resident illegally stocked up on prescription painkillers from multiple doctors — a third-degree felony called "doctor shopping." The remaining records will be returned to Limbaugh attorney Roy Black.
Barkdull's previous ruling prevents prosecutors from releasing any information about Limbaugh's medical records to anyone not involved with the state's investigation. The ruling does not specify who from the state's investigation is entitled to see the records.
Black requested that access to any released files be limited to three investigators. But Barkdull denied the motion Tuesday in a written ruling.
Limbaugh, 54, has not been charged with a crime and has maintained his innocence. The radio talk show host has been fighting to keep his medical records private.
In court Tuesday, Black said he wants to restrict the number of people who will have access to the records in order to protect any sensitive medical information contained in Limbaugh's records.
Black said the State Attorney's Office and investigators have repeatedly leaked information to the media citing "sources close to the investigation" from many different news outlets.
"They have taken on a course of conduct to destroy him personally," Black said. "And this is a man who has a public image and they have taken joy in doing this."
Barkdull asked Assistant State Attorney James Martz who would be involved in looking at the records.
Martz said that listing the people who may be involved in the investigation would hinder the entire process. He said he doesn't want "to arm the target of the investigation" with information while it is ongoing.
"It creates a huge, huge issue both going forward in the criminal investigation and in adding infringements on law enforcement's ability to work surreptitiously, quickly and expeditiously in a fashion they deem appropriate with their knowledge and expertise in investigating criminal law," Martz said.
After the hearing, Black said that Limbaugh "feels horrible" about having any of his medical records turned over to investigators.
"Nobody wants their intimate medical problems broadcast to the state," Black said. "It's the ultimate invasion of privacy."
I agree, Speedy. By going after Rush, they are going after us. I hope everyone understands that.
Rush is the personification of conservatism in this country. He is The Godfather. If they bring him down, they bring us down.
This IS NOT about dooctor shopping, drug abuse, oxycontin, etc......This is about neutralizing the most effective voice conservatives have.
I need to do some googling, has anyone has been able to document close connections between those pushing this case (investigators, DA's, Judge) and the usual big money liberal, socialist suspects.
I saw an ad for Roy Black's new reality TV show. I had to wonder how Rush felt about that and if he knew about it when he hired him.
It looks to me as if Rush is being raped by 'the system' for his beliefs. I hope Roy Black isn't spreading himself too thin.
I was timing you - you're kinda late finding this thread. Been tied up again? LOL
Now I want to see Bill Clinton's medical records. Remember, they were never released for public viewing when he was President. Now it seems Rush has set a precedent here that can only be bad news for Clinton, now that Clinton is running for the job as first lady of the land.
Just out of curiosity, does HIPAA (Health INSURANCE Portability and Accountability Act) actually apply to Rush? I seem to recall Rush having mentioned that he is part of the "epidemic of uninsured" since he is wealthy enough to pay for his medical expenses out of pocket.
(Not that I disagree with your premise, by the way. This is obviously a horrible invasion of privacy.)
There are some on here that don't think you're smart enough to know what you're talking about.
I have a suggestion - grab a burlap bag and maybe you can ask RS to take you with him the next time he goes into the woods to replenish that supply of smart pills he gathers on a regular basis.
Wow! Seems like if they keep this up surreptitious pictures of Hollywood actors/big wigs snorting coke, fooling around etc. will make their way to the internet press. "Oh but they are artists and are very prone to substance abuse." Yeah well Rush is an artist/commentator so beware what you ask for - your medical "shopping" records could be next.
"Maybe his deafness is a result of his abuse of the painkillers,..."
That last one might be it, but the doctors would know this and it would be surprising if they kept feeding his habit - unless the large amount they were giving him WAS cutting him down from what he had been taking ...
Translation: "This isn't about Suzanne Pfeil or El Rushbo, it's about ME. I smoke dope and want it legalized."
Correct?
"No one in Florida has ever gone to trial for the alleged crime of doctor shopping. "
Bzzzzt ! Next contestant please -
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/news/limbaugh/031104_limbaugh.html
In September of that year, Broward County prosecutors charged Marilyn Georges with doctor-shopping after two people died at her home just a few days apart. She was sentenced in December 2002 to four years in prison for obtaining drugs through fraud.
Not correct. Its about the kool-aid drinkers who have ignored (and continue to ignore) this kind of persectution for years until thier idol got his tit caught in the same wringer. The chickens roost mighty hard these days. Enjoy.
"....to replenish that supply of smart pills he gathers on a regular basis."
LOL - I suppose that's it ?
You've completely run out of facts to discuss in this case, so now it's just attack your fellow FReepers ?
It's a comfort and reassurance for those of us who live here that the primo U.S. conservative voice is among us.
Anyway, he loves the lifestyle here, has a nice pad, loves the golf and the healthy effects of year-round sun. He's not getting any younger, has some ailments, and we need him on this mortal coil.
Why should he give all this up, move, and hand that liberal attention-seeking DA a victory?
Leni
"This is in clear violation of federal laws."
Since no one has claimed to have looked through these records except the judge, how did you come up with this "clear violation" ?
So you are morally equivalating Michael Jackson and Rush? First as much as I believe Jackson is guilty it was a weak and flawed case and he was found not guilty. Boo-hoo. Every reasonable person knows he is a pedophile. In Rush's case, because of his terrible back and inner ear pain he POSSIBLY went passed the law, a law that no one in Florida has ever been charged with. He had records released in inuendo from the start...that has been illegal. Oh I know the courts haven't ruled it as such but, hey, they are liberals so they can do what they want.
Libs had to go back almost ten years to find a quote by Rush about drugs and prosecution.
Why don't we play with your records the same way - acuse you then grab records without a court order then go to a judge to claim a crime that has never been used against anyone on your state of residence.
You are the syncophant my friend.
I pointed out the fact that you interpret the facts differently than most of us because you're so much smarter than we are, and you took that as an attack?
Maybe it's that "medical marijuana" kicking in.
Obviously you didn't read the point of this story. Try reading the first sentence again:
Circuit Judge Thomas Barkdull III ruled Tuesday that he will not restrict the number of investigators who will see the released portions of Rush Limbaugh's medical records.
That means anyone the prosecution's office lables "an investigator" can see Rush's private medical records, which is likely in direct violation of HIPAA (FEDREAL) LAW.
"...This is about neutralizing the most effective voice.."
Exactly - the key word is EFFECTIVE.
The fact that Rush (like Bush) won't carry the water for the one-note-samba extremists on the right and on the left is the reason he is so FEARED and HATED.
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