In a decisive victory for our client and for mental health providers across Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Wunderly v. St. Luke’s Hospital upheld the hospital’s immunity under the Mental Health Procedures Act (MHPA). Plaintiff alleged that St. Luke’s failed to implement proper wound care protocols, leading to her husband—who was involuntarily committed due to dementia-related aggression—developing pressure ulcers that contributed to his decline and death.

Lamb McErlane PC attorneys Maureen M. McBride and Andrew P. Stafford, along with attorneys from Kilcoyne and Nesbitt, successfully argued that Section 114(a) of the MHPA provides broad immunity not only for psychiatric interventions but also for medical care delivered in conjunction with mental health treatment. The Supreme Court agreed,  both reaffirming that “treatment” under the MHPA includes “the prevention or alleviation of both illness” and “care and other services that support or promote the patient’s recovery from mental illness,” thereby reinforcing the MHPA’s purpose: namely, to shield providers from liability so they can focus on delivering comprehensive care to vulnerable patients without fear of litigation.