(PC) Wilson v. Dovey et al, No. 2:2006cv00791 - Document 69 (E.D. Cal. 2010)
Court Description: FINDINGS and RECOMMENDATIONS signed by Magistrate Judge Gregory G. Hollows on 12/16/10 recommending that defendants' 05/21/10 motion for summary judgment 64 be granted and judgment be entered for defendants. Motion for Summary Judgment 64 referred to Judge Frank C. Damrell. Objections due within 14 days. (Plummer, M)
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(PC) Wilson v. Dovey et al Doc. 69 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 9 FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 10 DAVID W. WILSON, 11 12 Plaintiff, No. CIV S-06-0791 FCD GGH P vs. 13 14 DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION OF ADULT INSTITUTIONS, et al., 15 Defendants. 16 17 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS / Introduction 18 Plaintiff, a state prisoner proceeding pro se, seeks relief under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. 19 Pending before the court is defendants’ motion for summary judgment, filed on May 21, 2010, to 20 which plaintiff filed his opposition, after which defendants’ filed their reply. 21 Plaintiff’s Allegations 22 The claims upon which this case is proceeding have been previously set forth by 23 the court and are borrowed herein from a prior order and findings and recommendations, filed on 24 February 9, 2009 (docket # 31) with any necessary subsequent modifications.1 This action, filed 25 1 26 Plaintiff’s allegations were set forth in Findings and Recommendations at pp. 1-2, filed on February 9, 2009 (docket # 31), and adopted by Order, filed on March 12, 2009 (docket # 32). 1 Dockets.Justia.com 1 on April 12, 2006, now proceeds on plaintiff’s second amended complaint, filed on June 13, 2 2007, as modified by the order, filed on June 27, 2008, dismissing several defendants and all 3 claims except for an Eighth Amendment claim against defendants Dr. Hunt and Dr. Peterson for 4 their alleged failure to provide adequate medical care for plaintiff, i.e., in the form of a medical 5 chrono permitting plaintiff not to wear newly issued clothing which has large painted lettering 6 that caused plaintiff to break out in rashes. 7 Specifically, plaintiff alleges that, on January 14, 2004, while he was incarcerated 8 at R.J. Donovan (RJD), all inmates were ordered to exchange their state-issued pants and shirts 9 for new-styled pants and shirts that had large stenciled lettering. On January 16, 2004, plaintiff 10 began to itch where the large lettering was located and submitted a health care request for a 11 chrono that would permit plaintiff to wear the old-style pants. On January 22, 2004, plaintiff 12 showed defendant Hunt his leg and back rashes. Defendant Hunt gave plaintiff skin cream but, 13 stating that the new clothing was a custody issue, refused to provide a chrono for plaintiff not to 14 be required to wear the new clothing. Second Amended Complaint (SAC), p. 3. 15 Following his appeal of the issue, filed on February 17, 2004, plaintiff was seen, 16 on February 25, 2004, by defendant Peterson, a dermatologist, who, evidently without accessing 17 plaintiff’s medical history with regard to rashes, also stated that he could not provide plaintiff 18 with a chrono (per a Dr. Ritter, not a defendant), but did give plaintiff skin cream. The actions 19 by these defendants violated plaintiff’s Eighth Amendment rights. SAC, p. 4. 20 Within his second amended complaint, plaintiff references having been 21 transferred from RJD to California Men’s Colony - East (CMC-E) to California Medical 22 Facility-Vacaville (CMF).2 SAC, p. 4. Plaintiff’s subsequent prison appeals have evidently 23 24 25 Subsequent Findings and Recommendations, inter alia, also setting forth plaintiff’s allegations (at pp. 1-2), filed on March 29, 2010 (docket # 61), were adopted by Order filed on May 14, 2010 (docket # 63). 2 26 According to the court’s case docket, plaintiff filed a notice of change of address in another case which has been noted in this case as filed on 9/24/07, indicating that plaintiff is 2 1 been denied, and plaintiff has been subjected to pain and suffering in the form of “itching and 2 scratching,” as a result of not being excepted from wearing the newer clothing with the large 3 stenciled lettering. Plaintiff seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as money 4 damages. SAC, pp. 4-7. 5 The case docket indicates that subsequent to his transfer to CMF, plaintiff has 6 filed notices of change of address to California State Prison - Lancaster (on September 26, 2007) 7 (docket # 14)); to California State Prison - Solano (on March 27, 2009) (docket # 33); and to RJ 8 Donovan (RJD) (on August 3, 2009) (docket # 37). Thus, plaintiff appears to be currently 9 housed at RJD. 10 11 Motion for Summary Judgment Defendants move for summary judgment on the ground that plaintiff cannot 12 establish that defendants Hunt and Peterson acted with deliberate indifference to a serious 13 medical need in violation of the Eighth Amendment with respect to plaintiff and on the ground 14 that they are entitled to qualified immunity. Notice of Motion for Summary Judgment. 15 Summary Judgment Standards under Rule 56 16 Summary judgment is appropriate when it is demonstrated that there exists “no 17 genuine issue as to any material fact and that the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of 18 law.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c). 19 Under summary judgment practice, the moving party 20 always bears the initial responsibility of informing the district court of the basis for its motion, and identifying those portions of “the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any,” which it believes demonstrate the absence of a genuine issue of material fact. 21 22 23 Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 323, 106 S. Ct. 2548, 2553 (1986) (quoting Fed. R. Civ. 24 P. 56(c)). “[W]here the nonmoving party will bear the burden of proof at trial on a dispositive 25 26 currently housed at California State Prison - Lancaster. 3 1 issue, a summary judgment motion may properly be made in reliance solely on the ‘pleadings, 2 depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file.’” Id. Indeed, summary judgment 3 should be entered, after adequate time for discovery and upon motion, against a party who fails to 4 make a showing sufficient to establish the existence of an element essential to that party’s case, 5 and on which that party will bear the burden of proof at trial. See id. at 322, 106 S. Ct. at 2552. 6 “[A] complete failure of proof concerning an essential element of the nonmoving party’s case 7 necessarily renders all other facts immaterial.” Id. In such a circumstance, summary judgment 8 should be granted, “so long as whatever is before the district court demonstrates that the standard 9 for entry of summary judgment, as set forth in Rule 56(c), is satisfied.” Id. at 323, 106 S. Ct. at 10 2553. 11 If the moving party meets its initial responsibility, the burden then shifts to the 12 opposing party to establish that a genuine issue as to any material fact actually does exist. See 13 Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 586, 106 S. Ct. 1348, 1356 14 (1986). In attempting to establish the existence of this factual dispute, the opposing party may 15 not rely upon the allegations or denials of its pleadings but is required to tender evidence of 16 specific facts in the form of affidavits, and/or admissible discovery material, in support of its 17 contention that the dispute exists. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(e); Matsushita, 475 U.S. at 586 n.11, 18 106 S. Ct. at 1356 n. 11. The opposing party must demonstrate that the fact in contention is 19 material, i.e., a fact that might affect the outcome of the suit under the governing law, see 20 Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248, 106 S. Ct. 2505, 2510 (1986); T.W. Elec. 21 Serv., Inc. v. Pacific Elec. Contractors Ass’n, 809 F.2d 626, 630 (9th Cir. 1987), and that the 22 dispute is genuine, i.e., the evidence is such that a reasonable jury could return a verdict for the 23 nonmoving party, see Wool v. Tandem Computers, Inc., 818 F.2d 1433, 1436 (9th Cir. 1987). 24 In the endeavor to establish the existence of a factual dispute, the opposing party 25 need not establish a material issue of fact conclusively in its favor. It is sufficient that “the 26 claimed factual dispute be shown to require a jury or judge to resolve the parties’ differing 4 1 versions of the truth at trial.” T.W. Elec. Serv., 809 F.2d at 631. Thus, the “purpose of summary 2 judgment is to ‘pierce the pleadings and to assess the proof in order to see whether there is a 3 genuine need for trial.’” Matsushita, 475 U.S. at 587, 106 S. Ct. at 1356 (quoting Fed. R. Civ. P. 4 56(e) advisory committee’s note on 1963 amendments). 5 In resolving the summary judgment motion, the court examines the pleadings, 6 depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if 7 any. Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c). The evidence of the opposing party is to be believed. See Anderson, 8 477 U.S. at 255. All reasonable inferences that may be drawn from the facts placed before the 9 court must be drawn in favor of the opposing party. See Matsushita, 475 U.S. at 587, 106 S. Ct. 10 at 1356. Nevertheless, inferences are not drawn out of the air, and it is the opposing party’s 11 obligation to produce a factual predicate from which the inference may be drawn. See Richards 12 v. Nielsen Freight Lines, 602 F. Supp. 1224, 1244-45 (E.D. Cal. 1985), aff’d, 810 F.2d 898, 902 13 (9th Cir. 1987). Finally, to demonstrate a genuine issue, the opposing party “must do more than 14 simply show that there is some metaphysical doubt as to the material facts . . . . Where the record 15 taken as a whole could not lead a rational trier of fact to find for the nonmoving party, there is no 16 ‘genuine issue for trial.’” Matsushita, 475 U.S. at 587, 106 S. Ct. at 1356 (citation omitted). 17 On May 16, 2008, the court advised plaintiff of the requirements for opposing a 18 motion pursuant to Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. See Rand v. Rowland, 154 19 F.3d 952, 957 (9th Cir. 1998) (en banc); Klingele v. Eikenberry, 849 F.2d 409, 411-12 (9th Cir. 20 1988). 21 The above advice would, however, seem to be unnecessary as the Ninth Circuit 22 has held that procedural requirements applied to ordinary litigants at summary judgment do not 23 apply to prisoner pro se litigants. In Thomas v. Ponder, 611 F.3d 1144 (9th Cir. 2010), the 24 district courts were cautioned to “construe liberally motion papers and pleadings filed by pro se 25 inmates and ... avoid applying summary judgment rules strictly.” Id. at 1150. No example or 26 further definition of “liberal” construction or “too strict” application of rules was given in Ponder 5 1 suggesting that any jurist would know inherently when to dispense with the wording of rules. 2 Since the application of any rule which results in adverse consequences to the pro se inmate 3 could always be construed in hindsight as not liberal enough a construction, or too strict an 4 application, it appears that only the essentials of summary judgment, i.e., declarations or 5 testimony under oath, and presentation of evidence not grossly at odds with rules of evidence, 6 apply in this dichotomous litigation system where one side must obey the written rules and the 7 other side is substantially absolved from doing so. 8 Legal Standard for Eighth Amendment Claim 9 In order to state a § 1983 claim for violation of the Eighth Amendment based on 10 inadequate medical care, plaintiff must allege “acts or omissions sufficiently harmful to evidence 11 deliberate indifference to serious medical needs.” Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. 97, 106, 97 S. Ct. 12 285, 292 (1976). To prevail, plaintiff must show both that his medical needs were objectively 13 serious, and that defendants possessed a sufficiently culpable state of mind. Wilson v. Seiter, 14 501 U.S. 294, 299, 111 S. Ct. 2321, 2324 (1991); McKinney v. Anderson, 959 F.2d 853 (9th Cir. 15 1992) (on remand). The requisite state of mind for a medical claim is “deliberate indifference.” 16 Hudson v. McMillian, 503 U.S. 1, 4, 112 S. Ct. 995, 998 (1992). 17 A serious medical need exists if the failure to treat a prisoner’s condition could 18 result in further significant injury or the unnecessary and wanton infliction of pain. Indications 19 that a prisoner has a serious need for medical treatment are the following: the existence of an 20 injury that a reasonable doctor or patient would find important and worthy of comment or 21 treatment; the presence of a medical condition that significantly affects an individual’s daily 22 activities; or the existence of chronic and substantial pain. See, e.g., Wood v. Housewright, 900 23 F. 2d 1332, 1337-41 (9th Cir. 1990) (citing cases); Hunt v. Dental Dept., 865 F.2d 198, 200-01 24 (9th Cir. 1989). McGuckin v. Smith, 974 F.2d 1050, 1059-60 (9th Cir. 1992), overruled on other 25 grounds, WMX Technologies v. Miller, 104 F.3d 1133 (9th Cir. 1997) (en banc). 26 In Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U.S. 825, 114 S. Ct. 1970 (1994) the Supreme Court 6 1 defined a very strict standard which a plaintiff must meet in order to establish “deliberate 2 indifference.” Of course, negligence is insufficient. Farmer, 511 U.S. at 835, 114 S. Ct. at 1978. 3 However, even civil recklessness (failure to act in the face of an unjustifiably high risk of harm 4 which is so obvious that it should be known) is insufficient. Id. at 836-37, 114 S. Ct. at 1979. 5 Neither is it sufficient that a reasonable person would have known of the risk or that a defendant 6 should have known of the risk. Id. at 842, 114 S. Ct. at 1981. 7 It is nothing less than recklessness in the criminal sense – subjective standard – 8 disregard of a risk of harm of which the actor is actually aware. Id. at 838-842, 114 S. Ct. at 9 1979-1981. “[T]he official must both be aware of facts from which the inference could be drawn 10 that a substantial risk of serious harm exists, and he must also draw the inference.” Id. at 837, 11 114 S. Ct. at 1979. Thus, a defendant is liable if he knows that plaintiff faces “a substantial risk 12 of serious harm and disregards that risk by failing to take reasonable measures to abate it.” Id. at 13 847, 114 S. Ct. at 1984. “[I]t is enough that the official acted or failed to act despite his 14 knowledge of a substantial risk of serious harm.” Id. at 842, 114 S. Ct. at 1981. If the risk was 15 obvious, the trier of fact may infer that a defendant knew of the risk. Id. at 840-42, 114 S. Ct. at 16 1981. However, obviousness per se will not impart knowledge as a matter of law. 17 Also significant to the analysis is the well established principle that mere 18 differences of opinion concerning the appropriate treatment cannot be the basis of an Eighth 19 Amendment violation. Jackson v. McIntosh, 90 F.3d 330 (9th Cir. 1996); Franklin v. Oregon, 20 662 F.2d 1337, 1344 (9th Cir. 1981). 21 Moreover, a physician need not fail to treat an inmate altogether in order to violate 22 that inmate’s Eighth Amendment rights. Ortiz v. City of Imperial, 884 F.2d 1312, 1314 (9th Cir. 23 1989). A failure to competently treat a serious medical condition, even if some treatment is 24 prescribed, may constitute deliberate indifference in a particular case. Id. 25 26 Additionally, mere delay in medical treatment without more is insufficient to state a claim of deliberate medical indifference. Shapley v. Nevada Bd. of State Prison Com’rs, 766 7 1 F.2d 404, 408 (9th Cir. 1985). Although the delay in medical treatment must be harmful, there is 2 no requirement that the delay cause “substantial” harm. McGuckin, 974 F.2d at 1060, citing 3 Wood v. Housewright, 900 F.2d 1332, 1339-1340 (9th Cir. 1990) and Hudson, 112 S. Ct. at 998- 4 1000. A finding that an inmate was seriously harmed by the defendant’s action or inaction tends 5 to provide additional support for a claim of deliberate indifference; however, it does not end the 6 inquiry. McGuckin, 974 F.2d 1050, 1060 (9th Cir. 1992). In summary, “the more serious the 7 medical needs of the prisoner, and the more unwarranted the defendant’s actions in light of those 8 needs, the more likely it is that a plaintiff has established deliberate indifference on the part of 9 the defendant.” McGuckin, 974 F.2d at 1061. 10 Superimposed on these Eighth Amendment standards is the fact that in cases 11 involving complex medical issues where plaintiff contests the type of treatment he received, 12 expert opinion will almost always be necessary to establish the necessary level of deliberate 13 indifference. Hutchinson v. United States, 838 F.2d 390 (9th Cir. 1988). Thus, although there 14 may be subsidiary issues of fact in dispute, unless plaintiff can provide expert evidence that the 15 treatment he received equated with deliberate indifference thereby creating a material issue of 16 fact, summary judgment should be entered for defendants. The dispositive question on this 17 summary judgment motion is ultimately not what was the most appropriate course of treatment 18 for plaintiff, but whether the failure to timely give a certain type of treatment was, in essence, 19 criminally reckless. 20 Undisputed Facts 21 The following of defendants’ undisputed facts, modified where necessary, are, 22 upon the court’s review, in fact, undisputed. Other facts undisputed by the parties, whether set 23 forth by defendants or not, are also included. Although plaintiff did not comply with Local Rule 24 260(b), as defendants note (Reply, p. 4), in failing to specifically set forth those of defendants’ 25 undisputed facts that he disputes and citing evidentiary support for any challenge to those facts, 26 the court is constrained by Thomas v. Ponder, supra, 611 F.3d 1144, to determine if his 8 1 opposition sets forth any basis for finding a material fact in dispute.3 2 On January 14, 2004, while plaintiff was incarcerated at R.J. Donovan (RJD), all 3 inmates were ordered to exchange their state-issued pants and shirts for new-styled pants and 4 shirts that had large stenciled lettering.4 Plaintiff claims the new-style of clothing caused him to 5 itch and scratch and break out in rashes. Plaintiff has dealt with rashes due to skin sensitivities, 6 including exposure to the sun and wool, since before he was required to wear the new style of 7 clothing. On January 16, 2004, plaintiff began itching and scratching on the areas of his body 8 touching the lettering on the new-style clothing. The lettering on the new-style clothing is 9 painted across the center-middle of the back of the shirt and down the right leg of the pants. On 10 January 22, 2004, plaintiff saw defendant Dr. Hunt for the rashes. Plaintiff told defendant Hunt 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 3 There is some irony in applying this lax standard to this plaintiff, who avers in his deposition that he has some 21 cases “current and/or pending.” Plaintiff’s Deposition (Dep.) 16: 6-12. In Sledge v. Kooi, 564 F.3d 105, 107-09 (2nd Cir. 2009), per curiam, the Second Circuit did not agree with the magistrate judge’s action in having withdrawn the “special solicitude” generally accorded pro se litigants by revoking plaintiff’s pro se status for the entire action where the plaintiff had filed at least twelve other federal or state court actions or appeals and been partially or wholly successful in at least three. The magistrate judge therein reasoned “there are circumstances where an overly litigious inmate, who is quite familiar with the legal system and with pleading requirements, may not be afforded [this] special solicitude.” Id., at 107. Although the Second Circuit noted “approvingly that the Magistrate Judge expressly indicated that he did not intend to punish Sledge for excessive litigiousness, but rather merely to charge him with the responsibilities accompanying his manifest experience with civil litigation,” the court found nevertheless that to foreclose pro se status for the entire action on such a basis was not warranted, but did state, in dicta, that a “limited withdrawal of special status,” i.e., in relation to the requirements of opposing a summary judgment action might be found appropriate. Id., at 109110. This court, however, is constrained by Thomas v. Ponder, supra, 611 F.3d 1144. 4 21 22 23 24 25 26 A memorandum, with the subject “INMATE CLOTHING, dated January 14, 2004, to “All Concerned” signed by RJD Warden Robert Hernandez states in full: “The new style inmate clothing was distributed to the Facility 1 inmate population during regular clothing exchange. All inmates are required to wear the clothing whenever exiting the Facility for their work assignments, or when going to a visit. Blue jumpsuits will still be issued to inmates at Facility 1 work change. The previously issued blue jeans and blue shirts will not be authorized in Facility 1. This clothing will be forwarded to the laundry department for issuance to other Facilities. Facility 1 inmates will still be authorized to retain their personal clothing including blue jeans. However, they may only wear the blue jeans in the Facility yard or housing units. If you have any questions, please contact M.A. Chacon, Associate Warden (A) Business Services, at extension 7866.” MSJ, Doc. # 66, Ex. 2 to Amended Declaration of Deputy Attorney General Michelle Angus, attached to, Ex. A, excerpts from plaintiff’s deposition. 9 1 that the skin rash was a long-term problem. Plaintiff asked defendant Hunt to renew a 2 prescription for 2.5% cortisone cream5 that he had used successfully in the past. Defendant Hunt 3 prescribed 2.5% hydrocortisone cream. Defendant Hunt gave plaintiff several medical chronos 4 for issues unrelated to the skin rash. MSJ, Document # 64-4, Declaration of defendant Dr. Hunt, 5 ¶ 4. Defendant Hunt did not give plaintiff a chrono excusing plaintiff from wearing the new- 6 style clothing. 7 On February 25, 2004, plaintiff was seen by a dermatologist, defendant Dr. 8 Peterson. Defendant Peterson is a contract physician who provides dermatological services to 9 CDCR.6 Neither defendant Hunt nor defendant Peterson had plaintiff’s medical records at the 10 time that they say plaintiff. According to defendant Peterson, when he examined plaintiff, “there 11 was no evidence of active dermatitis, only old hyper-pigmented scarring, primarily from 12 excoriation (scratching); he had a few papulos pustuler [sic] compatible with miliaria....more 13 commonly known as heat rash, secondary to body building.” MSJ, Document # 64-5, 14 Declaration of defendant Dr. Peterson, ¶ 5. Defendant Peterson diagnosed plaintiff with miliaria, 15 or heat rash. Since the weaker hydrocortisone had previously helped, defendant Peterson 16 believed the increased potency of the triamcinolone cream would provide relief. Id. (Plaintiff 17 asserts in his opposition (at p. 6) that it was he who asked for the triamcinolone, but whether he 18 did or not, that does not undermine defendant Peterson’s declaration on the point, wherein he 19 states that plaintiff told him that 2.5% hydrocortisone cream helped him previously. MSJ, 20 Document # 64-5, Peterson Dec., ¶ 5). Plaintiff did not request further follow-up dermatological 21 care from defendant Peterson. If plaintiff had asked defendant Peterson for a chrono excusing 22 plaintiff from wearing the standard-issue prison clothing, defendant Peterson would not have 23 recommended one because he believed such a chrono was not medically appropriate. MSJ, 24 5 25 26 Although the medications are occasionally identified as “crème” rather than “cream” within the motion, the court will use “cream” throughout. 6 California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 10 1 Document # 64-5, Peterson Dec., ¶ 7. Defendant Peterson’s professional opinion is that plaintiff 2 received proper, adequate, and professional medical care for his skin rash that was consistent 3 with community standards. Id. at ¶ 8. Defendant Peterson saw plaintiff only once, on February 4 25, 2004. 5 Plaintiff returned to defendant Hunt on March 16, 2004, for complaints 6 concerning the skin rash. On exam, plaintiff had a rash with tiny blisters on his chest and 7 abdomen.7 At that time, plaintiff had seen the dermatologist, defendant Peterson, and defendant 8 Hunt reviewed defendant Peterson’s report and diagnosis of heat rash. MSJ, Document # 64-4, 9 Hunt Dec., ¶ 5. Defendant Hunt discussed defendant Peterson’s report with plaintiff. Id. 10 Defendant Hunt renewed plaintiff’s prescription for 2.5% hydrocortisone cream. In defendant 11 Hunt’s medical opinion, a chrono excusing plaintiff from wearing state-issued clothing was not 12 medically appropriate or justified because of the etiology of plaintiff’s rash, i.e., heat rash. Id., at 13 ¶ 7. Defendant Hunt’s professional opinion is that plaintiff received proper, adequate and 14 professional medical care for his skin rash consistent with community standards. Id., at ¶ 8. 15 Defendant Hunt only saw plaintiff two times on January 22, 2004, and March 16, 2004. On August 4, 2004, plaintiff saw Dr. Armstrong (not a defendant).8 Dr. 16 17 Armstrong recommended that plaintiff undergo a RAST blood test that can be used to diagnose 18 specific allergies, such as wool allergies. MSJ, Document # 64-4, Hunt Dec., ¶ 4. Plaintiff 19 refused the RAST test and refused a follow-up visit. Id. 20 Nobody has told plaintiff that the new-style clothing is the cause of his rashes. 21 7 22 23 24 25 26 While defendant Hunt describes the rashes as having been on plaintiff’s chest and abdomen. MSJ, Doc. # 64-4, Hunt Dec. ¶ 5, plaintiff has averred that the rashes were on his leg and upper back and that defendant Hunt examined the rashes on his leg and back (apparently where large lettering was on the new-style shirt and pants). SAC, p. 3, Opposition, p. 5. But in his deposition he describes the rash as covering his back, chest and stomach. MSJ, Plaintiff’s Lodged Deposition, pp. 50: 20-22. 8 Plaintiff apparently confuses non-party Dr. Armstrong with defendant Dr. Peterson in stating that he “has alleging a violation of his Eighth Amendment rights by defendants Armstrong and Hunt.” Opposition, Doc. # 67, p. 11. 11 1 MSJ, Doc. # 66, Ex. 2 to Amended Declaration of Deputy Attorney General Michelle Angus, 2 attached to, Ex. A, excerpts from plaintiff’s deposition, at 40:24-42:18, 60:2-12. The prescribed 3 2.5% hydrocortisone cream relieves the itching upon contact and cures the rash so long as it is 4 being applied. Plaintiff claims defendant Hunt was deliberately indifferent to plaintiff’s medical 5 needs because defendant Hunt did not give plaintiff a chrono excusing plaintiff from wearing the 6 new-style clothing, because defendant Hunt did not perform any kind of testing on plaintiff or the 7 new-style clothing to determine the cause of the rashes, and because defendant Hunt did not have 8 plaintiff’s medical records during the medical visit with plaintiff. 9 Plaintiff claims defendant Peterson was deliberately indifferent to plaintiff’s 10 medical needs because he failed to perform any kind of testing on plaintiff or the new-style 11 clothing to determine the cause of the rashes and for not having plaintiff’s medical records at the 12 time of the February 25, 2004 medical visit. Plaintiff contends that defendants Hunt and 13 Peterson treated the rash, but failed to treat the cause of the rashes. Aside from hygienic 14 precautions, like avoiding unnecessary sweating and thorough bathing after exercising, the cause 15 of heat rash cannot be treated as only the resulting rash can be treated. Neither defendant Hunt 16 nor defendant Peterson ever refused to provide plaintiff with the 2.5% hydrocortisone cream. 17 Plaintiff has not sought punitive damages. 18 Disputed Facts & Analysis 19 While both defendants Hunt and Peterson aver that plaintiff did not request a 20 chrono from either of them (MSJ, Docket # 64-2, pp. 2-3, DUF9 # 13, Hunt Dec. ¶¶ 4-5, DUF # 21 25, Peterson Dec. ¶ 7), plaintiff is adamant that he had submitted a sick call request for a medical 22 chrono not to be required to wear the new pants and shirts to keep from breaking out, after which 23 he was initially seen by defendant Hunt, and that defendant Hunt told him a chrono was a 24 custody issue. Opp., p. 4, Ex. C. Ex. C is an unauthenticated copy of a Health Care Services 25 26 9 Defendants’ undisputed fact. 12 1 Request form with a typed-in date of 1-16-04, signed by plaintiff, indicating that he wanted to see 2 health care staff for a rash and containing a typed request for a: 3 5 Medical Chrono not to wear new pants & shirt with some type of painted on lettering shirt 1 ½ ft. long by ½ ft. wid[e] by 2 ft. long. Which causes me to “itch” “scratch[.]” Request chrono to wear old prison pants & shirt for not to break out on leg and back no more.10 6 Plaintiff asserts that defendant Hunt was given this form. Opposition, Document # 67, p. 5. But 7 even if that were done, it does not suffice to raise a genuine issue of material fact. 4 8 Plaintiff purports to dispute that defendant Hunt’s did not diagnose him, referring 9 him to a dermatologist. MSJ, Docket # 64-2, p. 2, DUF # 9, Hunt Dec. ¶ 4; Opp., p. 5. Plaintiff 10 includes an unauthenticated exhibit, JBH(1), a copy of a Health Care Services Physician Request 11 for Services for plaintiff, dated 1/22/04, apparently under Dr. Hunt’s name, indicating under 12 “Principle Diagnosis” a word that appears to be “Dermatitis” and requesting an evaluation from 13 defendant Dr. Peterson. Opp., p. 20, Ex. JBH(1). The lower half of this form was evidently filled 14 in by defendant Peterson and dated 2/25/04 with the findings being “heat rash.” Id. Plaintiff’s 15 evidence in support of his contention that defendant Hunt did diagnose plaintiff is not really 16 substantiated simply because the doctor provided some possibly speculative information on a 17 form, notwithstanding the RJD Medical Services Duty Statement plaintiff submits (Opp., p. 21, 18 Exh. DDS), particularly as defendant Hunt was seeking an evaluation from a specialist. 19 Plaintiff also asserts that when defendant Hunt examined plaintiff’s leg and back, 20 that Dr. Hunt stated it was obvious that it was the new style of clothing that was the problem but 21 10 22 23 24 25 26 Defendants protest that plaintiff has submitted not only unauthenticated exhibits, but exhibits that have been altered by markings from the plaintiff. Reply, p. 2. It is true that plaintiff appears on this exhibit to have put large asterisks on certain parts of the document, but it is likely that the unmarked document could be authenticated. See Fraser v. Goodale, 342 F.3d 1032, 1036 (9th Cir. 2003) (evidence which could be made admissible at trial may be considered on summary judgment); see also Aholelei v. Hawaii Dept.of Public Safety, 220 Fed. Appx. 670 (9th Cir. 2007). But defendants also admit that many of plaintiff’s unauthenticated documents (in an unaltered state) are duplicates of defendants’ (authenticated) documents. Reply, p. 2. Particularly in light of the liberal construction the court is to lend to plaintiff’s efforts to oppose the motion (Thomas v. Ponder, supra), the undersigned will consider these exhibits. 13 1 that he could not give a medical chrono because it was a custody issue. Opp., p. 5. Plaintiff 2 points to no evidentiary support for this assertion, nor does he make a declaration under penalty 3 of perjury with regard to his contention that defendant Hunt stated that it was obvious the new- 4 style clothing was causing plaintiff’s rash. While his assertion that defendant Hunt gave him 5 skin cream but denied him a chrono that would preclude him from having to wear the new-style 6 clothing is contained within his verified second amended complaint, he does not include the 7 claim that defendant Hunt indicated that the rash was caused by the new clothing. SAC, pp. 3-4. 8 In his deposition, plaintiff testifies that defendant Hunt told him “Yeah, you’re ... you have some 9 rashes and broke out bad” and supplied him with cream to treat the rash “to help me out.” MSJ, 10 Doc. # 66, Ex. 2 to Angus Amended Dec., Ex. A at 52: 3-9. In fact, under oath plaintiff appears 11 to have fairly definitively undermined his assertion as to defendant Hunt’s statement of the cause: 12 Q. Okay. But again, my question was, Has anybody told you that the clothing is causing the rashes? I’m not discounting that you’re having the rashes. My question is, Has anybody told you that the clothing is causing those rashes? 13 14 A. No. They only prescribed skin cream for the rashes. 15 16 MSJ, Doc. # 66, Ex. 2 to Angus Amended Dec., Ex. A at 42:12-18. 17 Q. Let me ask you this. Did Mr. - - - or did Dr. Hunt ever tell you that he knew what was causing your rashes? 18 A. No, ma’am. But he kind of inferred that it had to be from - I’m not saying that he directly, but he inferred that, yes, this - - you got a rash, and this is from - - obviously it’s from - - because at first it was just back in here, but it had started to spread. So he inferred. I can’t say he directly said that clothing was causing the rashes. But anybody can, you know, infer what’s causing something when you see the direct cause. 19 20 21 22 23 Id. at 60:2-12. 24 Thus, plaintiff has provided no evidence whatever for the assertion that defendant 25 Hunt confirmed that the rash was connected to the new clothing and the undersigned cannot find 26 that plaintiff raises a genuine fact dispute as to that point by a bare assertion. Although plaintiff 14 1 contends otherwise, he does not materially dispute defendant Hunt’s declaration that a chrono 2 excusing plaintiff from wearing the state-issued clothing was not called for medically. MSJ, 3 Doc. # 64-4, Hunt Dec., ¶ 7: 4 I exercised my training, experience and medical judgment to provide [plaintiff] with appropriate medical treatment for his skin rash. I prescribed 2/5% hydrocortisone cream which addressed and alleviated the symptoms of the rash. I referred [plaintiff] to a dermatologist to diagnose the cause of the skin rash, and Dr. Peterson diagnosed heat rash and ruled out allergies as the cause. Hydrocortisone cr[eam] is an appropriate treatment for heat rash. Due to the etiology of [plaintiff’s] rash, i.e., heat rash, a chrono excusing him from wearing CDCR-issued clothing was unnecessary and not medically appropriate or justified. 5 6 7 8 9 10 As to defendant Peterson, plaintiff insists he told plaintiff that he could not 11 provide a medical chrono to exempt plaintiff from having to wear the new-style clothing 12 pursuant to instruction by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Opp., p. 4. Plaintiff is supported in 13 contending that defendant Peterson had said that Dr. Ritter, the CMO, had limited the writing of 14 chronos, by reference to the unauthenticated sheet logging an entry for Feb. 25, 2004 regarding 15 plaintiff, evidently signed by “A Peterson,” stating in part: “Per Dr. Ritter (CMO) - chronos must 16 be written by yard M.D.(s).” Opp., p. 25, Ex. AP. This fact, however, is not really in dispute as 17 defendant Peterson, himself, declares that he is not permitted, as a CDCR contract physician that 18 he is not allowed to issue chronos for inmates.11 MSJ, Doc. # 64-5, ¶ 3. Plaintiff appears to 19 argue that if defendant Peterson knew he could not write a medical chrono, plaintiff should not 20 have been seen by him; however, this might have precluded plaintiff from having been seen by a 21 22 23 24 25 26 11 In fact, the January 14, 2002, memorandum which addresses the issue of contract consulting physicians explains that “[t]he purpose of a consultant is to answer a request by a CDC Staff Physician for impression and recommendation of a diagnosis.” MSJ, Doc. # 64-3, Ex. 2, p. 44; duplicated in the Opposition, Doc. # 67 at p. 23. The memo indicates that a consultant’s responsibilities do not include writing medication or appliance orders or chronos, but he or she is to write his or her recommendations on the appropriate form and return them to the staff physician requesting the consult for a decison “at the sole discretion of the CDC Staff Physician.” Id. It appears that at least as to prescribing medication, this policy as been modified as defendant Peterson evidently prescribed skin cream for plaintiff’s condition. 15 1 specialist altogether. 2 3 Defendant Peterson avers in his declaration in addition to stating that plaintiff did not ask him for a chrono excusing him from wearing the standard issue clothing that: 4 [i]t can be seen from a review of [plaintiff’s] medical record that he is in the habit of demanding chronos for numerous things that are not medically necessary. Even if he had requested such a chrono, I would not have recommended one because I do not believe that such a chrono would be appropriate since ordinary clothing is not a factor in atopic dermatitis. There was no evidence of allergic contact dermatitis, [i]n fact there was no dermatitis at all and prisoners are not issued wool clothing. Even if he found wool to be irritating he could keep it away from his skin by bedding and bed clothing. 5 6 7 8 9 10 MSJ, Doc. # 64-5, Defendant Peterson Dec., ¶ 7. 11 Plaintiff reacts strongly to what he identifies as a false statement by the defendants 12 that he believes the new-style clothing is made of wool. Opp., p. 5. However, the statement he 13 identifies specifically sets forth that plaintiff does not believe that the new clothing is made with 14 wool (see MSJ, Doc. # 64-1, p. 2:9-11), so his point is not well-taken. Although plaintiff does 15 not know what materials comprise the large lettering to which he believes his skin is allergic, he 16 believes that the doctors have subjected him to deliberate indifference for not having ordered or 17 engaged some form of “human test” to determine “skin sensitivities.” Opp., p. 4. 18 As to DUF # 22, which sets forth that defendant advised plaintiff to avoid 19 unnecessary sweating, shower and scrub well after exercising, use triamcinolone cream for 20 itching, and return if problems persisted,12 plaintiff does not take issue with the reference to 21 triamcinolone cream, but disputes that defendant Peterson (again confusing him with Dr. 22 Armstrong, not a party) advised plaintiff to avoid unnecessary sweating, to shower and to scrub 23 well after showering. Opp., Doc. # 67, pp. 5-6. Defendant Peterson states under oath that this is 24 what he said, while plaintiff, without a declaration, does point to defendant Peterson’s notes of 25 12 26 MSJ, Doc. # 64-2, p. 3, DUF # 22, citing Peterson Dec. ¶ 5, [Amended] Angus Dec., Ex. A (plaintiff’s Dep.) at 43: 11-15, 56:12-14 16 1 the Feb. 25, 2004 exam at his Ex. AP (which although unauthenticated, appears to be a duplicate 2 of Ex. A to defendant Hunt’s declaration, with added markings by plaintiff). The court’s review 3 of defendant Peterson’s notes does not indicate any specific reference to advice to plaintiff 4 regarding sweating, showering or scrubbing, as the notes appear primarily focused on his 5 diagnosis. In any event, whether or not the doctor advised plaintiff with regard to those issues, 6 that so-called dispute is not particularly germane to what is at issue in this action. 7 On his second visit to defendant Hunt, on March 16, 2004, following his being 8 seen by defendant Peterson, plaintiff disputes that he told defendant Hunt that he believed the 9 rash was the result of wool blankets and RJD’s new jeans. MSJ, Doc. # 64-2, p. 4, DUF # 30, 10 Hunt Dec., ¶ 5; Opp., p. 6. Plaintiff insists that he explained that “wool allergy caused rash over 11 stomach, chest, neck, arms, legs, and allergy to new type clothing, allergic to and requested (2) 12 two prong attack to stop rash and itching by hydrocortisone and triamcinolon two & half 13 percent.” Opp., p. 6. It is hard to see how this disputes what defendant Hunt stated, except 14 insofar as plaintiff is trying to say that the rash of which he was complaining was not caused by 15 wool. However, plaintiff goes on to assert that defendant Hunt examined his legs and back 16 where the large lettering was, stating (again, apparently, according to plaintiff) that the cause of 17 the rashes being the new clothing was a custody issue. Opp., p. 6. In his declaration, defendant 18 Hunt states that he reviewed defendant Peterson’s report and his diagnosis of milliaria or heat 19 rash and that the skin rash was not due to an allergy. MSJ, Doc. # 64-4, Hunt Dec., ¶ 5 and Ex. 20 A, defendant Peterson’s report. Defendant Hunt avers that he reviewed the note and findings of 21 the dermatologist (Peterson), and rewrote plaintiff’s prescription for 2.5% hydrocortisone cream, 22 discussing the possible side effects of topical cortisone. Id. He also avers that plaintiff did not 23 request a chrono excusing him from wearing the state-issued clothing (id.), while plaintiff again 24 disputes this. Opp., p. 6. As noted, plaintiff also disputes that he did not ask defendant Peterson 25 for a chrono excusing him from wearing the new prison clothing at issue. MSJ, Doc. # 64-2, p. 26 3, DUF # 22, Peterson Dec. ¶ 25; Opp., p. 6. In any case, even had plaintiff produced sufficient 17 1 supporting evidence that he had requested medical chronos from the doctors to be exempt from 2 wearing the new clothing, whether he had done so or not, if defendant doctors in light of their 3 medical expertise, concluded, as they each did, that such a chrono was not called-for, this is a 4 fact dispute that does not rise to the level of being material. The same applies to whether or not 5 defendant Peterson, as a contract physician, was prohibited by CDCR from issuing medical 6 chronos at RJD, a fact which, as noted, does not appear to be in dispute. MSJ, Doc. # 64-5, 7 Peterson Dec. ¶ 3. His failure to write a medical chrono himself does not amount to deliberate 8 indifference not because he is excused by such a policy, but because he remains free to 9 recommend that a CDCR physician issue one and his opinion as a medical expert that one was 10 11 not warranted in light of his diagnosis. MSJ, Doc. # 64-5, Peterson Dec. ¶¶ 3, 7. One fact that is not in dispute, that defendants did not have his medical records 12 when he was being examined by them, serves as a basis for plaintiff’s claim that he was 13 subjected to deliberate indifference. In preparing their declarations, both defendants aver that 14 they have reviewed plaintiff’s medical records. MSJ, Doc. # 64-5, Peterson Dec., ¶ 4. Defendant 15 Peterson avers that he is board-certified in Dermatology, subcontracted as a dermatologist at 16 Alvarado Hospital, which is contracted with CDCR, and that since about 2000 has worked at 17 RJD as a contract dermatologist. MSJ, Doc. # 64-5, Peterson Dec., ¶¶ 1-2. He describes his 18 medical contract at RJD as limited to dermatology consultations, and lists one of his primary 19 duties, in addition to “providing dermatologic examinations, care, and treatment to inmates” as 20 including “reviewing pertinent parts of inmates’ medical files.” MSJ, Doc. # 64-5, Peterson 21 Dec., ¶ 2. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that when he saw plaintiff on the sole occasion of their 22 meeting, on February 25, 2004, plaintiff’s “medical record was not available.” MSJ, D MSJ, 23 Doc. # 64-5, Peterson Dec., ¶ 2 oc. # 64-5, Peterson Dec., ¶ 4. Based, however, on his 24 [subsequent] review of plaintiff’s medical record and in his experience with CDCR, defendant 25 Peterson maintains that “the unavailability of an inmate’s medical record is a common 26 occurrence.” MSJ, Doc. # 64-5, Peterson Dec., ¶ 4. 18 1 Defendant Hunt states that he is a licensed physician, specializing in internal 2 medicine, on the medical staff at RJD, who practices general medicine in the yard clinics. MSJ, 3 Doc. # 64-4, Hunt Dec., ¶ 1. He, too, indicates that in addition to providing medical 4 examinations, care and treatment of inmates, that one of his primary duties is to review inmates’ 5 medical files, but that plaintiff’s medical chart was not available for his review in his January 22, 6 2004, initial examination of plaintiff. ”13 MSJ, Doc. # 64-4, Hunt Dec., ¶¶ 2, 4. Defendant Hunt 7 explains that it is his experience at CDCR that “the unavailability of an inmate’s medical record 8 is a common occurrence because various other parts of the prison need to also review the medical 9 file, e.g., psychiatric department review, medical records updating the chart, chart sent out for 10 outside medical appointment, etc.” MSJ, Doc. # 64-4, Hunt Dec., ¶ 4. The defendants 11 explanation of the lack of availability of medical records at the time an inmate presents for 12 examination is not entirely satisfactory. In Wood v. Housewright, supra, 900 F. 2d 1340-41, in a 13 partially dissenting opinion, Ninth Circuit Judge Reinhardt wrote that the failure of the state to 14 make any effort (upon transfer of a prisoner) to obtain medical records until a serious injury was 15 sustained in and of itself constituted an instance of deliberate indifference. However, the 16 following constitutes the prevailing view where plaintiff’s strongest claim for deliberate 17 indifference to a serious medical need was that prison officials’ failure to provide his medical 18 records upon his arrival at state prison caused the confiscation of his sling, resulting in the harm 19 of which he complained: 20 This conduct, though apparently inexcusable, does not amount to deliberate indifference. While poor medical treatment will at a certain point rise to the level of constitutional violation, mere malpractice, or even gross negligence, does not suffice. Although Wood’s treatment was not as prompt or efficient as a free citizen might hope to receive, Wood was given medical care at the prison that addressed his needs. Cf. Ortiz v. City of Imperial, 884 F.2d 1312 (9th Cir.1989) (deliberate indifference found where police 21 22 23 24 25 26 13 Defendant Hunt explicitly states, however, as to his March 16, 2004, visit with the plaintiff that he had the February 25, 2004, medical report from the dermatologist, defendant Peterson, which plaintiff does not dispute. MSJ, Doc. # 64-4, Hunt Dec. ¶ 5. 19 1 knew of prisoner’s condition and totally failed to treat it competently). 2 3 Wood v. Housewright, supra, 900 F. 2d at 1334. “Mere negligence is insufficient for liability. 4 [Citation omitted]. An ‘official’s failure to alleviate a significant risk that he should have 5 perceived but did not, ... cannot under our cases be condemned as the infliction of punishment.’” 6 Clement v. Gomez, 298 F.3d 898, 904 (9th Cir. 2002), quoting, Farmer v. Brennan, supra, 511 7 U.S. at 838, 114 S.Ct. 1970. Plaintiff herein was treated on all three occasions when he was 8 seen by the defendants and plaintiff, unlike the plaintiff in Wood, supra, makes a wholly 9 insufficient showing that the defendants’ not having his medical records for review resulted in 10 11 12 13 14 15 inadequate medical treatment for his skin rash. On January 22, 2004, [plaintiff] was complaining of a skin rash. He told me that he had a limited history of prior skin issues, but that rash was a long term problem. He asked me to renew a prescription for 2.5% hydrocortisone cream that he had successfully use in the past, which I did. I examined [plaintiff] and observed that he had a rash and abrasions, possibly from scratching the rash. He was also complaining of foot pain, for which I did a separate examination. At that time, I did not have a diagnosis but referred him for specialty care for his feet and skin issues, indicating a referral to the dermatology clinic for evaluation. 16 17 18 19 At that time [plaintiff] wanted a chrono for the following: 1) low bunk chrono, 2) a chrono allowing him to wear a hat or handkerchief outside; and (3) a shave chrono. I ordered these chronos, plus chronos for a back brace support (he had his own) and a chrono allowing [plaintiff] to order multivitamins direct from a vendor. [Plaintiff] did not request a chrono excusing him from wearing state-issued prison clothing. 20 21 22 MSJ, Doc. # 64-4, Hunt Dec., ¶ 4. With the exception that he maintains that he did request the clothing exemption 23 chrono and that the doctor did have a diagnosis of his skin condition (see above), plaintiff 24 disputes none of this. 25 26 Defendant Hunt also noted in his review of plaintiff’s medical records an August 5, 2004 chart note by a Dr. Marc Armstrong (not a party) at RJD, wherein Dr. Armstrong 20 1 recommended that plaintiff undergo a RAST blood test that can be used to diagnose specific 2 allergies, such as wool allergies, which plaintiff refused, as well as refusing a follow-up visit, 3 which refusals are set forth among the above undisputed facts. MSJ, Doc. # 64-4, Hunt Dec., ¶ 4 6, and Ex. B, a copy of Dr. Armstrong’s chart note. That chart note, signed “Marc Armstrong” 5 with a date of 8/5/04, also noting plaintiff’s age, contains the following handwritten notes: 6 7 8 Refused to have vital signs done. Refused to have RAST for wool allergy. Refused to be examined. Had multiple requests, which according to his own records, he has addressed via the 602 appeal process and some of which are being litigated. He was advised to reconsider his refusal and follow-up when we have a chart. He refused this as well. 9 10 Plaintiff does not adequately address or dispute this and it is unclear why he 11 apparently refused to be examined since it appears that he has confused Dr. Armstrong with 12 defendant Peterson. See Opp., pp. 6, 11-14. 13 Ultimately what plaintiff fails to do is raise a genuine issue of material fact by 14 failing to make the requisite showing that the injury of which he complains rises to the level of 15 an Eighth Amendment violation. While there is little doubt that a recurring skin rash could be 16 quite uncomfortable, plaintiff does not substantiate the existence of an injury that rises to the 17 level of chronic and substantial pain. See, e.g., Wood v. Housewright, 900 F. 2d 1332, 1337-41 18 (9th Cir. 1990) (citing cases); Hunt v. Dental Dept., 865 F.2d at, 200-01; McGuckin v. Smith, 19 974 F.2d at 1059-60, as noted earlier, overruled on other grounds, WMX Technologies v. Miller, 20 104 F.3d 1133 (9th Cir. 1997) (en banc). Plaintiff maintains defendants have caused him to have 21 to wear additional clothing under the new style clothing in hot weather to prevent rashes. 22 Opposition, Doc. # 67, p. 15. But he also admits that the prescribed two and a half percent 23 cortisone skin cream would clear up the rashes, notwithstanding that he believes wearing the 24 new style clothing without “some kind of a barrier” such as thermal underwear causes the rashes 25 to reappear. See, e.g., MSJ, Plaintiff’s Dep. 60:13-61: 26 Defendants’ argument is well-taken that, at worst, their actions amounted to 21 1 negligence. MSJ, Doc. # 64-1, p. 9. They point to the evaluation of a “deliberate indifference” 2 claim set forth in Estelle v. Gamble, supra, 429 U.S. at 99 & n. 3 -101, 97 S. Ct. 285, noting that 3 the Supreme Court found that at most the defendant physician, both in his capacity as treating 4 physician and as the corrections department’s medical director, committed medical malpractice 5 with regard to treating the prisoner-plaintiff’s whose claim of injury arose from a 600-pound 6 cotton bale having fallen on him as he unloaded a truck. MSJ, Doc. # 64-1, p. 7. Although 7 plaintiff complained of high blood pressure and a heart problem, the gravamen of his complaint 8 was inadequate treatment of his back injury. Estelle, supra, 429 U.S. at 107, 97 S. Ct. 285. The 9 High Court noted that his injury had been diagnosed as “lower back strain and treated ... with bed 10 rest, muscle relaxants and pain relievers,” further observing that the Court of Appeals had found 11 that “‘[c]ertainly an x-ray of (Gamble’s) lower back might have been in order and other tests 12 conducted that would have led to appropriate diagnosis and treatment for the daily pain and 13 suffering he was experiencing.’” Id. [internal citation omitted]. “But,” the Estelle Court 14 determined: 15 the question whether an X-ray or additional diagnostic techniques or forms of treatment is indicated is a classic example of a matter for medical judgment. A medical decision not to order an X-ray, or like measures, does not represent cruel and unusual punishment. At most it is medical malpractice, and as such the proper forum is the state court .... 16 17 18 19 20 Id. Defendants also contend that those cases cited in Estelle as examples of deliberate 21 indifference by prison doctors are not analogous to the situation here. MSJ., Doc. 3 64-1, p. 7. 22 The Supreme Court cites an instance where the plaintiff alleged that he asked doctors to stitch the 23 severed portion of his ear back on but instead it was thrown away “in front of him” and plaintiff 24 was told “he did not need his ear” and the stump was sewed up. Estelle, 429 U.S. at 105, n. 10, 25 97 S. Ct. 285, citing Williams v. Vincent, 508 F.2d 541[, 543-544] ([2nd Cir.] 1974). In another 26 example, a prisoner claimed that he was given a shot of penicillin even though it was known that 22 1 he was allergic and the doctor refused to treat the allergic reaction. Id., citing Thomas v. Pate, 2 493 F.2d 151, 158 (7th Cir.), cert. denied sub nom. Thomas v. Cannon, 419 U.S. 879, 95 S.Ct. 3 143 (1974).14 In another case, it was determined that the record did not show when plaintiff was 4 refused treatment by a paramedic “whether he was denied essential medical treatment.” Id., 5 citing Jones v. Lockhart, 484 F.2d 1192 [, 1194] (8th Cir. 1973). In Martinez v. Mancusi, 443 6 F.2d 921 (7th Cir.), cert. denied, 401 U.S. 983, 91 S.Ct. 1202 (1971), it was alleged that a prison 7 doctor refused to administer the prescribed pain killer after prisoner underwent leg surgery and 8 was forced to move and stand in contravention of surgeons’ specific orders, ultimately rendering 9 leg surgery unsuccessful. Id. In a much more recent, but unpublished,15 Ninth Circuit decision, relying on 10 11 Estelle, supra, the panel determined that: 12 The district court properly granted summary judgment for defendants on Fernandez's deliberate indifference claim because he failed to raise a genuine issue of material fact as to whether their treatment of his hemorrhoids and bacterial skin infection disregarded a substantial risk of serious harm. See Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. 97, 105-06, 97 S.Ct. 285, 50 L.Ed.2d 251 (1976) (plaintiff must show that the defendants intentionally disregarded a serious medical need); Toguchi [v. Chung], 391 F.3d [1051] at 1058 [9th Cir. 2004] (a difference of medical opinion concerning treatment does not amount to deliberate indifference). 13 14 15 16 17 18 Fernandez v. David, Slip Copy, 2010 WL 3988423 * 1 (9th Cir. 2010). 19 In another unpublished case, Tuzon v. Miller, 234 Fed. Appx. 586 (9th Cir. 2007), 20 a Ninth Circuit panel found that plaintiff had “failed to create a triable issue as to whether 21 [defendant] had acted with deliberate indifference to his skin condition,” citing Farmer v. 22 14 23 24 25 26 The judgment was vacated and the case remanded on other grounds by Cannon v. Thomas, 419 U.S. 813, 95 S. Ct. 288 (1974). 15 The Ninth Circuit now permits citation to unpublished cases. Ninth Circuit Rule 36-3, in accordance with Fed. R. App. P. 32.1, permits citation to unpublished dispositions and orders issued on or after January 1, 2007. However, such rulings “are not precedent, except when relevant under the doctrine of law of the case or rules of claim preclusion or issue preclusion.” Ninth Circuit Rule 36-3(a). 23 1 Brennan, 511 U.S. at 847, 114 S.Ct. 1970, for the principle that “to be liable for deliberate 2 indifference, a prison official must know of and disregard a substantial risk of serious harm to an 3 inmate.” 4 In yet another instance, a physician who provided no treatment whatever for an 5 alleged skin condition was found not to have been deliberately indifferent to a serious medical 6 need. 7 15 Here, the undisputed evidence shows that Plaintiff was seen by Dr. Vo for an alleged skin condition. At that time, Plaintiff did not state he was in extreme pain. Dr. Vo examined Plaintiff and determined no medical treatment was necessary. Plaintiff did not seek follow-up treatment for the skin condition. There is no evidence that the skin condition affected Plaintiff's daily activities or that it caused him substantial pain. Accordingly, Plaintiff has not presented evidence showing his condition qualified as a “serious medical need.” Lopez, 203 F.3d at 1131. Moreover, Plaintiff has not presented any evidence that Dr. Vo disregarded an excessive risk to Plaintiff's health. The only evidence presented to the Court is that Plaintiff disagrees with Dr. Vo's opinion regarding proper medical treatment. This is not sufficient to establish a deliberate indifference claim. See Jackson v. McIntosh, 90 F.3d 330, 332 (9th Cir.1996) (stating difference of opinion does not support deliberate indifference claim).” Johnson v. Sullivan, 2010 WL 2850787 *2 (E.D.Cal. 2010). 16 While plaintiff did seek further treatment from defendant Hunt, on one further occasion, wherein 17 he actually was prescribed medication, there appears to be no material dispute that he did not 18 seek a further consultation with defendant Peterson. And when a non-party doctor sought to test 19 and treat him, he refused medical treatment, apparently bent only on his own self-prescribed 20 solution. But, as noted, mere differences of opinion concerning the appropriate treatment cannot 21 be the basis of an Eighth Amendment violation. Jackson v. McIntosh, supra, 90 F.3d 330; 22 Franklin v. Oregon, 662 F.2d at 1344; see also, Scott v. Moore, 2010 WL 1404411 *4 (E.D. Cal. 23 2010) (summary judgment for defendant found proper where plaintiff was undisputedly treated 24 by defendant for skin condition but had a difference of opinion as to appropriate medication). 25 Plaintiff has no expert opinion to substantiate his claim of deliberate indifference. Hutchinson v. 26 United States, supra, 838 F.2d 390. There is no showing, despite subsidiary issues of fact in 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 24 1 dispute, by plaintiff of a material issue of fact and, as noted, the dispositive question on this 2 summary judgment motion is ultimately not what was the most appropriate course of treatment 3 for plaintiff, but whether the failure to timely give a certain type of treatment was, in essence, 4 criminally reckless. Plaintiff has not met that burden. 5 Qualified Immunity 6 Defendants contend that defendants Hunt and Peterson are entitled to qualified 7 immunity. Docket # 64-1, MSJ, pp. 9-11. Because, however, the undersigned has found that 8 plaintiff fails to raise a genuine material fact dispute with respect to the question of deliberate 9 indifference as to either defendant, this argument need not be reached. 10 The Court agrees with Defendant-the undisputed facts in this case show that Gemmet did not violate Cosco’s Eighth Amendment rights because she did not knowingly disregard Cosco’s medical needs when treating him for eczema. To the contrary, she evaluated his skin condition pursuant to proper nursing protocol, offered hydrocortisone, and scheduled him for a doctor’s appointment. Cosco received that doctor’s visit within the time recommended by Defendant. Cosco did not suffer any harm as a result of Defendant’s actions. For this reason, Gemmet is entitled to summary judgment on Cosco’s claim of deliberate medical indifference. Having found no constitutional violation, the Court will not engage in a qualified immunity analysis.” 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Cosco v. Gemmet, 2010 WL 1948304 *6 (E.D.Cal. 2010). 18 The defendant doctors in this instance similarly did not fail to treat plaintiff’s skin 19 condition and, notwithstanding that he may believe otherwise, plaintiff has failed to make a 20 material showing of harm or of inadequate medical care as result of the treatment he did receive 21 from them. 22 23 24 Accordingly, IT IS RECOMMENDED that defendants’ May 21, 2010 (docket # 64), motion for summary judgment be granted and judgment be entered for defendants. These findings and recommendations are submitted to the United States District 25 Judge assigned to the case, pursuant to the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(l). Within fourteen 26 days after being served with these findings and recommendations, any party may file written 25 1 objections with the court and serve a copy on all parties. Such a document should be captioned 2 “Objections to Magistrate Judge’s Findings and Recommendations.” Any reply to the objections 3 shall be served and filed within fourteen days after service of the objections. The parties are 4 advised that failure to file objections within the specified time may waive the right to appeal the 5 District Court's order. Martinez v. Ylst, 951 F.2d 1153 (9th Cir. 1991). 6 DATED: 12/16/2010 /s/ Gregory G. Hollows 7 UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE 8 9 GGH:009 wils0791.msj 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 26
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