John R., individually and on behalf of W.R., a minor v. HMO Louisiana Inc. and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana

Summary

The United States District Court for the District of Utah granted John R. and his minor son W.R. leave to proceed using initials in an ERISA action challenging the denial of insurance coverage for the minor’s care. The court found that the case involved highly sensitive and personal health information, ordered the notice containing the plaintiffs’ full names to remain sealed, and allowed objections to the pseudonymous proceeding within seven days of a party’s appearance.

Holdings

1. Plaintiffs may proceed under initials and pseudonymously because the case involves highly sensitive and personal health information concerning a minor, and the privacy interests supporting anonymity outweigh the limited public interest in the parties' identities.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Plaintiffs should be permitted to proceed under initials and pseudonymously because the action involves a minor's highly sensitive and personal health information.

Disposition

other