Opinion ID: 2998089
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Defendant Joseph Smith

Text: Dr. Joseph Smith separately contends that Mr. Barnes’ claims against him should be dismissed as procedurally defaulted. In May 2001, Mr. Barnes filed his initial prison grievance relating to his § 1983 claims; it named Stateville’s medical director, Dr. Joseph Smith, among other prison personnel. The grievance was denied as untimely. Mr. Barnes then filed a new grievance on November 6, 2002, which reiterated that his requests for testing and treatment were being ignored. This later grievance did not name Dr. Joseph Smith, who since had left the employ of Stateville; it identified Jenny Laigh and Dr. Kevin Smith, the new medical director. On appeal, Dr. Joseph Smith contends that Mr. Barnes procedurally defaulted on the only grievance that named him. We do not believe that Mr. Barnes is precluded from pursuing his § 1983 claim against Dr. Smith. By filing his November grievance, Mr. Barnes restarted the grievance process. Contrary to Dr. Smith’s suggestion, moreover, Mr. Barnes did not abandon this claim by not naming Dr. Smith 10 No. 04-3215 specifically in the latter grievance. At the time Mr. Barnes filed that grievance, the Illinois Administrative Code did not require prisoners to name the individual against whom they filed grievances or to assert specific claims against any person. See Ill. Admin. Code tit. 20 § 504.810(b) (year). Furthermore, the November grievance broadly stated that it was “being submitted in regards to a request for [sic] for medical test and treatment. I have requested several times to be tested for Tuberculosis, H.I.V., Hepatitis, etc. for the past few years.” R.53, Ex.C at 1. When we draw all reasonable inferences in favor of the plaintiff, this language does not indicate, as Dr. Smith submits, that his name was “intentionally omitted from” that grievance. Appellee Br. of Dr. Smith at 13. Rather, the language encompasses the alleged past failure of Dr. Smith to respond to Mr. Barnes’ request for a hepatitis test and treatment. Therefore, Mr. Barnes may pursue his § 1983 claims against Dr. Smith in federal court.