Opinion ID: 2233405
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: equitable claims and waiver

Text: McLeay argues that his claims for equitable relief are not subject to immunity under the HCQIA. For example, in his petition, McLeay sought reinstatement of his privileges. A few cases have applied HCQIA immunity to claims seeking reinstatement without analyzing the issue. See, e.g., Meyers v. Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp., 341 F.3d 461 (6th Cir.2003). The HCQIA, however, specifically states that it applies to suits for money damages. See § 11111. It does not include actions seeking equitable relief. See, Babcock v. Saint Francis Med. Ctr., 4 Neb.App. 362, 543 N.W.2d 749 (1996); Lipson v. Anesthesia Services, P.A., 790 A.2d 1261 n. 14 (Del.Super.2001). See, generally, Sugarbaker v. SSM Health Care, 190 F.3d 905 (8th Cir. 1999). Here, McLeay, in addition to seeking damages, also sought reinstatement of his privileges as a remedy. To the extent he sought equitable relief that did not involve an award of damages, those remedies are not subject to HCQIA immunity. Bergan, however, argues that McLeay waived his claims because he failed to exhaust administrative remedies when he did not reschedule the hearing before the medical executive committee. In the alternative, it contends that the primary jurisdiction doctrine applies. The district court analyzed the waiver issue only in determining that McLeay's false reporting claims were immune under the HCQIA. Because the court determined that Bergan was immune from liability under all of McLeay's claims, it did not specifically reach the waiver issue on the remaining claims, examine the record for issues of material fact concerning waiver of claims, or consider the legal arguments presented concerning waiver. Because the district court did not consider whether McLeay waived his equitable claims, we do not consider the issue. An appellate court will not consider an issue on appeal that was not passed upon by the trial court. See In re Guardianship & Conservatorship of Larson, 270 Neb. 837, 708 N.W.2d 262 (2006). Accordingly, we reverse, and remand for further proceedings to determine whether McLeay is entitled to equitable remedies.