Opinion ID: 1241725
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Element 1: Holding out

Text: In her complaint, Osborne [2] alleged that McLeod holds itself out to the public as having specialized facilities, equipment and staff for the provision of high quality obstetrical care. In an affidavit submitted in opposition to McLeod's summary judgment motion, Osborne stated that [t]hrough McLeod's marketing efforts the representation was made to me that McLeod had first rate physical facilities, staff, equipment and supplies for its birthing center, including a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (hereinafter, NICU); that Dr. J.E. Harlan, Jr., was director of McLeod's NICU; and that the neonatologists were an integral part of McLeod's NICU team. Further, Osborne submitted a three-part article appearing in McLeod Magazine [3] extolling McLeod's facilities and referring to McLeod neonatologists. The article depicts Dr. Harlan standing in front of what appears to be medical equipment with his arm outstretched, and refers to Harlan as McLeod's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Director. The article lauds the excellent facilities and care available to newborns and expectant mothers at McLeod.