Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582 (Tex. 1996). · Go Syfert
Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582 (Tex. 1996). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
589 citation events (515 in the last 25 years) across 6 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center v. Juan R. Oaxaca (texapp, 2023-06-22)
Treatment trajectory · 1996 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1996 2011 2026
Under fire: who is questioning this case
Citations from separate opinions of courts that could overrule this case. This is a warning signal, not a treatment change. The flag color above is unaffected.
Dissent The State of Texas and Kyle Madsen in His Official Capacity as Director of Right of Way v. Jrj Pusok Holdings, LLC (2026)
“But the TCA embodies only limited waivers of sovereign immunity; it does not abolish it.” (citations omitted)); Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 585 (Tex. 1996) (rejecting a result that “would be tantamount to abolishing governmental immunity, contrary to the limited waiver the Legislature clearly intended”).”
Dissent Texas Department of Criminal Justice v. Miller (2001)
“Bossley, 968 S.W.2d at 343 . . 923 S.W.2d 582 . . 51 S.W.3d at 588 (quoting Kerrville State Hosp., 923 S.W.2d at 585-86 ).”
Dissent Page v. Structural Wood Components, Inc. (2003)
“See Lawrence v. CDB Servs., Inc., 44 S.W.3d 544, 549 (Tex.2001); Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 584 (Tex.1996); Salcedo v. El Paso Hosp.”
Concurrence Lefmark Management Co. v. Old (1997)
“Co. v. Merchants Fast Motor Lines, Inc., 939 S.W.2d 139 (Tex.1997) (shooting from an automobile); Golden Spread Council, Inc. #562 of The Boy Scouts of Am. v. Akins, 926 S.W.2d 287 (Tex.1996) (sexual molestation of a young boy); Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582 (Tex.1996) (brutal murder of woman by her husband); Doe v. Boys Clubs of Greater Dallas, Inc., 907 S.W.2d 472 (Tex.1995)…”
Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers. How cited ↗
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center v. Juan R. Oaxaca
Tex. App. · 2023 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
the issue is whether the government's administration of an oral form of a drug, rather than an injectionable drug, constitutes use or 7 misuse of tangible personal property under the terms of the ttca.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) City of Brownsville v. Lili Nezzer (3×) also: Cited as authority (rule)
Tex. App. · 2022 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
the precedential value of lowe and robinson is . . . limited to claims in which a plaintiff alleges that a state actor has provided property that lacks an integral safety component and that the lack of this integral component led to the plaintiff's injuries.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Travis M. Dehorney, TDCJ No. 2027434 v. Sherri Talley M.D., Samuel B. Itie, M. Fuentes
Tex. App. · 2021 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
this court has never held that mere non- use of property can support a claim under the texas tort claims act.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center v. Roger Contreras (2×) also: Cited "see"
Tex. App. · 2019 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
for example, if a hospital provided a patient with a bed lacking bed rails and the lack of this protective equipment led to the patient's injury, the act's waiver provisions would be implicated.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) City of Houston v. Frank Gutkowski, Individually, Frank Gutkowski, as Representative for the Estate of Patricia Gutkowski, Tammie Rene Gutkowski and Carl Gutkowski (5×) also: Cited as authority (rule), Cited "see"
Tex. App. · 2017 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
this court has never held that mere non-use of property can support a claim under the texas tort claims act.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston v. Russell DeSoto and Judy DeSoto (5×) also: Cited as authority (rule), Cited "see", Cited "see, e.g."
Tex. App. · 2013 · signal: see, e.g. · quote attribution · 2 verbatim quotes · confidence high
there cannot be waiver of sovereign immunity in every case in which medical treatment is provided by a public facility. doctors in state medical facilities use some form of tangible personal property nearly every time they treat a patient.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center v. Baker (4×) also: Cited as authority (rule), Cited "see"
Tex. App. · 2012 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
these cases represent perhaps the outer bounds of what we have defined as use of tangible personal property.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Denton County v. Beynon (2×) also: Cited "see"
Tex. · 2009 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
we must look to the terms of the ttca to determine the scope of its waiver
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Sheth v. Dearen (5×) also: Cited as authority (rule), Cited "see"
Tex. App. · 2007 · quote attribution · 3 verbatim quotes · confidence high
the gravamen of their complaint is that ksh's non-use of an injectionable drug was the cause of their daughter's death.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) The State of Texas and Kyle Madsen in His Official Capacity as Director of Right of Way v. Jrj Pusok Holdings, LLC
Tex. · 2026 · confidence medium
But the TCA embodies only limited waivers of sovereign immunity; it does not abolish it.” (citations omitted)); Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 585 (Tex. 1996) (rejecting a result that “would be tantamount to abolishing governmental immunity, contrary to the limited waiver the Legislature clearly intended”).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hall v. City of Dallas
N.D. Tex. · 2025 · confidence medium
The Supreme Court of Texas explained that there is not a waiver of immunity “in every case in which medical treatment is provided by a public facility.” Id. at 588 (quoting Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 584 (Tex. 1996)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Stephani Del Rio and Andrew Del Rio, as Next Friends of \Noelle\" and \"Luke
unknown court · 2025 · confidence medium
The exception—which the Court has characterized as “the outer bounds of what [it] ha[s] defined as use of tangible personal property”—is “limited to claims in which a plaintiff alleges that a state actor has provided property that lacks an integral safety component and that the lack of this integral component led to the plaintiff’s injuries.” Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 585 (Tex. 1996). 10 Although the cases creating the “integral safety component” exception do not distinguish between “condition or use,” the Texas Supreme Court has more recently charac…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Bexar County Hospital District D/B/A University Health F/K/A University Health System v. Brandon Roberts
Tex. App. · 2024 · confidence medium
“While [the Texas Supreme Court] ha[s] never addressed the issue directly, [it] ha[s] indicated that the use of medication that is improper under the circumstances and causes harm constitutes negligent ‘use’ under the Tort Claims Act.” Id. at 514 (quoting Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 584 (Tex. 1996)) (providing plaintiffs “allege and have presented evidence that the Hospital used property [a sugar water solution carrier agent for a medication] that should not have been used and that the [solution] is what harmed [the plaintiff],” and this “is sufficient to waiv…
cited Cited as authority (rule) Pecan Valley Mental Health Mental Retardation Region Operating as Pecan Valley Centers for Behavioral and Developmental Healthcare v. Jane Doe
Tex. App. · 2023 · confidence medium
Conservation Comm’n v. White, 46 S.W.3d 864 , 869–70 (Tex. 2001); Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 584 (Tex. 1996); Kassen, 887 S.W.2d at 14 .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Wesley Rattray, Marco Nunez, Martha Saavedra, Antonio Vindell, Carmen Pashos, Steve Tullos, Cesario Pedraza, Minerva Pedraza, Roger Luly, Nora Gonzalez, and Rosalinda Castillo v. City of Brownsville, Texas
Tex. · 2023 · confidence medium
Id. at 870–71 (quoting Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 585 (Tex. 1996)).
examined Cited as authority (rule) City of Cedar Park v. Juan Delapena, Individually and as Next Friend of C.D.L.P., a Minor And Korina Delapena, Individually and on Behalf of the Estate of C. D., a Minor (3×) also: Cited "see"
Tex. App. · 2022 · confidence medium
The distinction between “use” and “non-use” has not always been an easy one to draw, and the Delapenas rely on a series of cases described by the Supreme Court of Texas as “the outer bounds of what we have defined as use of tangible personal property.” Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 585 (Tex. 1996).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Sylvia Morrison and Rick Morrison v. Nancy Asamoa, M.D. John McKenna, M.D. Satish Mocherla, M.D. Hayan Orfaly, M.D. Permian Premier Health Services, Inc. Asif Ali Khan Ansari, M.D. Rachna Bharti, M.D. And Texas Tech Health Sciences Center at Odessa
Tex. App. · 2022 · confidence medium
“A claim of ‘mere non-use’ is insufficient to waive immunity; actual use is required.” Id. (citing Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 584 (Tex. 1996)); see also Miller, 51 S.W.3d at 587–88.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Elda Alaniz v. Christus Spohn Health System Corporation D/B/A Christus Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi - Shoreline (2×) also: Cited "see"
Tex. App. · 2021 · confidence medium
Id. at 587 ; Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 584 (Tex. 1996) (distinguishing between use and non-use of property).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Walter Zawislak, M.D. v. the Texas A&M University Health Science Center
Tex. App. · 2021 · confidence medium
Furthermore, the Texas Supreme Court has clarified that Lowe represents “’the outer bounds of what we have defined as use of tangible personal property’” and has therefore applied the case “narrowly only when an integral safety component is entirely lacking rather than merely inadequate.” Bishop, 156 S.W.3d at 584 (quoting Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 585 (Tex. 1996)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Troy Thoele v. Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Tex. App. · 2020 · confidence medium
The Supreme Court subsequently noted that Lowe represents “the outer bounds of what we have defined as use of tangible personal property.” Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 585 (Tex. 1996).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Jason Garms v. Comanche County
Tex. App. · 2020 · confidence medium
Conservation Comm’n v. White, 46 S.W.3d 864 , 869–70 (Tex. 2001); Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 584 (Tex. 1996); Kassen v. Hatley, 887 S.W.2d 4, 14 (Tex. 1994).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) the City of San Antonio v. Suzanne L. Smith and Claudia Acevedo (2×) also: Cited "see"
Tex. App. · 2020 · confidence medium
Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 585 (Tex. 1996).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Sweetin v. Texas City
S.D. Tex. · 2020 · confidence medium
Laws 874 , 874). 32 Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 584 (Tex. 1996). 33 See, e.g., Wilkerson v. Univ. of N. Tex., 878 F.3d 147, 158-62 (5th Cir. 2017); Bustos v. Martini Club, Inc., 599 F.3d 458 , 462–64 (5th Cir. 2010); Goodman v. Harris Cnty., 571 F.3d 388, 394 (5th Cir. 2009). 34 Dkt. 18 at 5.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Texas Department of Criminal Justice v. Sandra Dee Parker
Tex. App. · 2020 · confidence medium
Anderson Cancer Ctr. v. Baker, 401 S.W.3d 246, 255 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2012, pet. denied) (quoting Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 585 (Tex. 1996)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston v. Jayson Crawford, Individually and as Administrator of the Estate of Tracy Crawford
Tex. App. · 2019 · confidence medium
Branch v. Thompson, No. 14-06-00014-CV, 2006 WL 1675401 , at *1, 3–4 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] June 20, 2006, no pet.) (mem. op.) (failure to perform ultrasound or CT scan). 6 Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 584 (Tex. 1996) (failure to administer an injectable drug is a non-use of tangible property). 7 See Univ. of Tex. Med.
examined Cited as authority (rule) the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center v. Lance McKenzie, Individually and as Representative of the Estate of Courtney McKenzie-thue (Deceased), and Deborah Diver, Individually and as Next Friend of J.O., a Minor (7×) also: Cited "see", Cited "see, e.g."
Tex. · 2019 · confidence medium
Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 584 (Tex. 1996) (quoting Univ. of Tex. Med.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Phi, Inc. v. Texas Juvenile Justice Department F/K/A Texas Youth Commission
Tex. · 2019 · confidence medium
True, “[t]his Court has never held that mere non-use of property can support a claim under the Texas Tort Claims Act.” Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 584 (Tex. 1996).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center - El Paso v. Gloria Bustillos
Tex. App. · 2018 · confidence medium
As 9 the Texas Supreme Court has explained, “Doctors in state medical facilities use some form of tangible personal property nearly every time they treat a patient.” Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 585-86 (Tex. 1996).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Oakbend Medical Center v. Martinez
Tex. App. · 2017 · confidence medium
“If it did, governmental immunity ‘would be rendered a nullity,’ because *[i]t is difficult to imagine a tort case which does not involve the use, or nonuse, of some item of real or personal property.’” Id. (quoting Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 586 (Tex. 1996)); see also Univ. of Tex. M.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Connie Rogge, Individually and as Heir of Richard Hollas Rogge, Richard Rogge, Individually and as Heir of Richard Hollas Rogge and Richard Rogge as Administrator of the Estate of Richard Hollas Rogge v. the City of Richmond, Texas (2×)
Tex. App. · 2016 · confidence medium
Id. 7 Immunity is waived for “claims in which a plaintiff alleges that a state actor has provided property that lacks an integral safety component and that lack of this integral component led to the plaintiff’s injuries.” Rusk State Hosp., 392 S.W.3d at 99 (quoting Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 585 (Tex. 1996)); see San Antonio State Hosp. v. Cowan, 128 S.W.3d 244, 247 (Tex. 2004).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Connie Rogge, Individually and as Heir of Richard Hollas Rogge, Richard Rogge, Individually and as Heir of Richard Hollas Rogge and Richard Rogge as Administrator of the Estate of Richard Hollas Rogge v. the City of Richmond, Texas (2×)
Tex. App. · 2016 · confidence medium
Immunity is waived for “claims in which a plaintiff alleges that a state actor has provided property that lacks an integral safety component and that lack of this integral component led to the plaintiffs injuries.” Rusk State Hosp., 392 S.W.3d at 99 (quoting Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 585 (Tex.1996)); see San Antonio State Hosp. v. Cowan, 128 S.W.3d 244, 247 (Tex.2004).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Meena Bansal Individually and as Representative of Estate of Munish Bansal, and Virinder Bansal v. University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Tex. App. · 2016 · confidence medium
(Tex.2001) (holding that the alleged misuse of pain-reducing and anti-nausea medications, intravenous fluids, and diagnostic equipment that camouflaged the symptoms of meningitis is not a claim within the TTCA’s waiver of immunity); Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 585-86 (Tex.1996) (explaining that, by alleging that health-care providers failed to prescribe medications that could have prevented the injury, the plaintiffs alleged the non-use of tangible property, and thus, their claim was not within TTCA’s waiver of immunity); see also Univ. of Tex. M.D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) the University of Texas System Operating as the University of Texas at El Paso v. Kenneth Palomino
Tex. App. · 2016 · confidence medium
For example, in Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582 (Tex.1996), the Supreme Court stated that Lowe and Robinson represented “the outer bounds of what we have defined as use of tangible personal property.” Id. at 585.
cited Cited as authority (rule) the City of Dalhart, Texas v. Carol Lathem, as Next Friend of E. L., a Minor
Tex. App. · 2015 · confidence medium
Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 585 (Tex.1996).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Nikki Sides Individually and on Behalf of the Estate of Thomas Middleton v. Texas Department of Criminal Justice (2×)
Tex. App. · 2015 · confidence medium
Dist. v. Blue, 34 S.W.3d 547 , 554–55 (Tex. 2000) .......................................................... 9,10 City of Sugarland v. Ballard, 174 S.W.3d 259, 267-68 (Tex. App.-Houston (1st Dist.) 2005) ..................... 5 County of Cameron v. Brown, 80 S.W.3d 549, 555 (Texas 2002) ................................................................. 10 Cowan, 128 S.W.3d at 246 ........................................................................................ 5 Dallas County Mental Health and Mental Retardation v. Bossley, 968 S.W.2d 339, 243 (Tex. 1998) ..............................…
examined Cited as authority (rule) the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center v. Karen Jones (7×) also: Cited "see"
Tex. App. · 2015 · confidence medium
Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 584 (Tex.1996); Kamel, 333 S.W.3d at 686 ; King, 329 S.W.3d at 880-81 ; see also Univ. of Texas Medical Branch v. Thompson, Cause No. 14-06-00014-CV, 2006 WL 1675401 , *3– 4 (Tex. App.-- Houston [14th Dist.] 2006, no pet.).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center v. Verba Klingsick, Diana Klingsick and Jana Carrasco, Individually and on Behalf of the Estate of William R. Kingsick (2×) also: Cited "see"
Tex. App. · 2015 · confidence medium
Miller, 51 S.W.3d at 587 (citing Kerrville State Hospital v. Clark, 923 S.W. 2d. 582, 586 (Tex. 1996)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Brenda MacKey as Representative of the Estate of Violet Childs v. Midland-Odessa Transit D/B/A EZ Rider
Tex. App. · 2015 · confidence medium
Conservation Comm’n v. White, 46 S.W.3d 864 , 869–70 (Tex. 2001); Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 584 (Tex. 1996).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Noah S. Bunker, Paul Carrell, Everett Brew Houston, Jr., W. Andrew Buchholz, Scott J. Leighty, Jad L. Davis, and Holly Clause v. Tracy D. Strandhagen
Tex. App. · 2015 · confidence medium
The Hos- Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 585 (Tex. pital's immunity as to such a tort is not waived.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Uvalde County Hospital Authority v. Estela R. Garcia, Individually, on Behalf of All Wrongful Death Beneficiaries, and on Behalf of the Estate of Juan Garcia
Tex. App. · 2014 · confidence medium
In Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, the supreme court limited Lowe’s “precedential value . . . to claims in which a plaintiff alleges that a state actor has provided property that lacks an integral safety component and that the lack of this integral component led to the plaintiff’s injuries.” 923 S.W.2d 582, 585 (Tex. 1996).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Uvalde County Hospital Authority v. Garcia
Tex. App. · 2014 · confidence medium
In Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, the supreme court limited Lowe’s “prece-dential value ... to claims in which a plaintiff alleges that a state actor has provided property that lacks an integral safety component and that the lack of this integral component led to the plaintiffs injuries.” 923 S.W.2d 582, 585 (Tex.1996).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Tejano Center for Community Concerns, Inc. D/B/A Raul Yzaguirre Charter School for Success and John Doe v. Laura Olvera, Individually and as Next Friend of Lizbeth Olvera
Tex. App. · 2014 · confidence medium
Miller, 51 S.W.3d at 587 (citing Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 584 (Tex. 1996)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Dallas Metrocare Services v. Juarez, Adolfo
Tex. App. · 2014 · confidence medium
In concluding a claim exists in such cases, the Supreme Court has stated “[t]hese cases represent perhaps the outer bounds of what we have defined as use of tangible personal property.” See Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 585 (Tex. 1996) (emphasis added).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston v. Kai Hui Qi
Tex. App. · 2013 · confidence medium
Doctors in state medical facilities use some form of tangible personal property nearly every time they treat a patient.’” Id. (quoting Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 585-86 (Tex.1996)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston v. Russell DeSoto and Judy DeSoto
Tex. App. · 2013 · confidence medium
After decades without legislative assistance, the Texas Supreme Court has held incrementally that ―use‖ means ―use‖ through the following bright lines: (1) use doesn’t mean failure to use, see Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 583 (Tex. 1996); (2) use doesn’t mean nonuse, see White, 46 S.W.3d at 869–70; and (3) use doesn’t mean allowing someone else to use, see Cowan, 128 S.W.3d at 246.
examined Cited as authority (rule) THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER AND THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM v. PRESTON BAKER & JENNIFER BAKER, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS NEXT FRIENDS OF PRESTON BAKER, JR., JESSICA BAKER, CAYLA BAKER AND CALEB BAKER (4×) also: Cited "see"
Tex. App. · 2012 · confidence medium
Id. at 585 ; id. at 586 (Abbott, J., dissenting).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Billy Ray Jones v. Lubbock County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1
Tex. App. · 2012 · confidence medium
These cases came under scrutiny in the case of Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 584-85 (Tex. 1996), where the Court held that Lowe and Robinson represented "the outer bounds of what we have defined as use of tangible personal property." Id.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Michelle LaGrone v. State
Tex. App. · 2012 · confidence medium
These cases came under scrutiny in the case of Kerrville State Hosp. v. Clark, 923 S.W.2d 582, 584-85 (Tex. 1996), where the Court held that Lowe and Robinson represented “the outer bounds of what we have defined as use of tangible personal property.” Id.
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
KERRVILLE STATE HOSPITAL, Petitioner,
v.
James O. CLARK and Genevie Clark, Respondents
95-0773.
Texas Supreme Court.
Jul 8, 1996.
923 S.W.2d 582
1996 WL 242602
David Allan Smith, Austin, for Petitioner., Sydney S. Ewing, Boerne, Randall B. Richards, Boerne, for Respondents.
Abbott, Baker, Cornyn, Enoch, Gonzalez, Hecht, Owen, Phillips, Spector.
Cited by 295 opinions  |  Published

Lead Opinion

GONZALEZ, Justice,

delivered the opinion of the Court in

which HECHT, ENOCH, OWEN and BAKER, Justices, join.

This is a wrongful death action brought by James and Genevie Clark to recover damages for the death of their daughter, Rebecca Clark Ligón, who was murdered by her husband, Gary Ligón. The Clarks sued Kerr-ville State Hospital (KSH) for negligently releasing Gary, a mental patient, from its care. They also sued the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (MHMR) for failure to adequately ensure KSH’s compliance with MHMR standards. A jury awarded the Clarks damages in excess of two million dollars. The trial court, however, entered judgment n.o.v. for MHMR and rendered judgment against KSH for $250,000, the maximum amount allowable under the Texas Tort Claims Act. See Tex.Civ. PRAC. & Rem.Code § 101.023(a). The court of appeals affirmed. 900 S.W.2d 425. For the reasons stated below, we reverse the judgment of the court of appeals and render judgment for KSH.

I.

The Clarks’ daughter, Rebecca, was married to Gary Ligón, who had a history of mental problems. In April 1989, after threatening his wife and resisting arrest, Li-gón was taken to KSH for treatment. The Institutional Review Board determined that Ligón was “manifestly dangerous” and therefore recommended that he be transferred to a maximum security unit at Vernon State Hospital. However, because Vernon State Hospital had no vacancy, Ligón remained at KSH for about one month. The Institutional Review Board then met again and determined that Ligón was no longer manifestly dangerous. Ligón began an outpatient commitment with KSH, pursuant to a court order, so that KSH could monitor his medication. Ligon’s medication regimen included Antabuse to control his alcohol intake, lithium carbonate, Tegretol, and Thorazine, an antipsychotic medicine that was given to Li-gón in an oral form.

On May 22, 1990, Ligón voluntarily checked into KSH for treatment. It appeared that Ligón had been drinking and had not been taking his medication at proper levels. On May 24, KSH released Ligón at his request, reinstating the outpatient commitment. On June 1, Ligón brutally murdered his estranged wife, decapitating, dismembering, and burning her body. He then attempted to hide her remains in a field.[1]

As stated earlier, the trial court rendered judgment for the Clarks against KSH, and the court of appeals affirmed. KSH now petitions this Court to reverse the judgment[*584] of the court of appeals, claiming that: (1) the Clarks’ suit is barred by sovereign immunity; (2) KSH owed no duty to the Clarks; (3) the actions of KSH were not the proximate cause of Rebecca Clark’s death; and (4) venue was not proper in Travis County. Because we conclude that the Clarks’ action was barred by sovereign immunity, we reverse the judgment of the court of appeals and render judgment for KSH.[2]

II.

KSH is a governmental entity entitled to sovereign immunity. However, under the Texas Tort Claims Act, a state entity can waive its sovereign immunity under limited circumstances. The Act did not abolish sovereign immunity, and we must look to the terms of the Act to determine the scope of its waiver. University of Texas Medical Branch v. York, 871 S.W.2d 175, 177 (Tex. 1994). Specifically, the Act waives sovereign immunity for “personal injury and death so caused by a condition or use of tangible personal or real property if the governmental unit would, were it a private person, be liable to the claimant according to Texas law.” Tex.Civ.PRAC. & Rem.Code § 101.021(2). The Clarks claim that KSH, by giving Ligón an oral form of Thorazine when he left the hospital, rather than an available injectiona-ble drug such as Prolixin or Haldol, used or misused tangible personal property under the terms of the Act. They claim that KSH should have administered an injectionable drug because KSH knew that Ligón had not been taking his oral Thorazine and that he became violent when not medicated.[3] Thus, the issue is whether KSH’s administration of an oral form of Thorazine, rather than an injectionable drug, constitutes use or misuse of tangible personal property under the terms of the Texas Tort Claims Act. We hold that KSH’s failure to administer an injectionable drug is non-use of tangible personal property and therefore does not fall under the waiver provisions of the Act.

This Court has never held that mere non-use of property can support a claim under the Texas Tort Claims Act. Kassen v. Hatley, 887 S.W.2d 4, 14 (Tex.1994). We have recognized that for “use” of tangible personal property to occur under the terms of the Act, one must “ ‘put or bring [the property] into action or service; to employ for or apply to a given purpose.’” Mount Pleasant Indep. Sch. Dist. v. Estate of Lindburg, 766 S.W.2d 208, 211 (Tex.1989) (quoting Beggs v. Texas Dept. of Mental Health & Mental Retardation, 496 S.W.2d 252, 254 (Tex.Civ.App.— San Antonio 1973, writ refd)). The decisions of this Court, however, have not always fallen neatly within this definition when applying the terms of the Act. The difficulty of interpreting the Act’s waiver provisions has led this Court on several occasions to request guidance from the Legislature in interpreting these provisions. See, e.g., Salcedo v. El Paso Hosp. Dist., 659 S.W.2d 30, 32 (Tex. 1983); Lowe v. Texas Tech Univ., 540 S.W.2d 297, 303 (Tex.1976) (Greenhill, C.J., concurring). The Legislature, however, has remained silent on this issue. As a result, our attempts to construe the Act’s waiver provisions have resulted in a “long and arduous history” of cases. University of Texas Medical Branch v. York, 871 S.W.2d 175, 177 (Tex.1994). Two of these cases, in particular, illustrate the difficulty of interpreting these provisions.

In Lowe v. Texas Tech Univ., 540 S.W.2d 297, 298 (Tex.1976), Lowe alleged that he injured his knee while playing football for the university. The injury allegedly occurred when a coach ordered him to remove his knee brace, worn because of a previous knee injury, and reenter a game without it. Id. at 302 (Greenhill, C.J., concurring). This Court concluded that the knee brace was as integral a part of Lowe’s uniform as his helmet or shoulder pads. Id. at 300. The Court therefore held that the State waived immunity by providing Lowe with a football uniform that was defective due to its lack of a knee brace. Id.

This rationale was also applied to invoke the Act’s waiver provisions in Robinson v. [*585] Central Texas MHMR Center, 780 S.W.2d 169, 171 (Tex.1989). In Robinson, MHMR took several patients, including Robinson, swimming. Id. at 169. The employees of MHMR knew that Robinson was epileptic and occasionally suffered seizures, causing him to lose consciousness. Id. MHMR and its employees, however, failed to provide Robinson with a life preserver, and he subsequently drowned. Id. This Court concluded that “[a] life preserver was just as much a part of Robinson’s swimming attire as the knee brace was part of the uniform in Lowe." Id. at 171. The Court therefore held that MHMR waived its immunity. Id.

These cases represent perhaps the outer bounds of what we have defined as use of tangible personal property. We did not intend, in deciding these eases, to allow both use and non-use of property to result in waiver of immunity under the Act. Such a result would be tantamount to abolishing governmental immunity, contrary to the limited waiver the Legislature clearly intended. The precedential value of these cases is therefore limited to claims in which a plaintiff alleges that a state actor has provided property that lacks an integral safety component and that the lack of this integral component led to the plaintiffs injuries. For example, if a hospital provided a patient with a bed lacking bed rails and the lack of this protective equipment led to the patient’s injury, the Act’s waiver provisions would be implicated. Lowe, 540 S.W.2d at 300.

The facts of the present case, however, are distinguishable from Lowe and Robinson. The Clarks have not alleged that KSH failed to provide Ligón with property lacking an integral safety component. In fact, they acknowledge that KSH prescribed to and gave Ligón Thorazine, an anti-psychotic medication. To the contrary, the Clarks argue that the treatment prescribed to Ligón was not as effective as an alternative method of treatment would have been. For Lowe to apply to the Clarks’ claims, we must assume that the university would have waived its immunity even if it had provided Lowe with a knee brace as long as Lowe could show that another type of knee brace would have better protected him. Likewise, for Robinson to apply, we must assume that MHMR would have waived its sovereign immunity even if it had provided Robinson a life preserver if Robinson could show that MHMR should have provided him with a better one. Thus, the facts of this case are different than those in Lowe and Robinson.

III.

The factual scenario of this cáse parallels Kassen v. Hatley, 887 S.W.2d 4 (Tex.1994). In Kassen, a mental patient admitted to a state hospital was seen taking her medication in excessive quantities. Id. at 7. Hospital employees therefore took the patient’s medication away from her. Id. The hospital refused to return the medication to the patient when she left the hospital, and she committed suicide a short time later. Id. The patient’s parents sued the hospital and its employees for wrongful death, claiming that the hospital employees’ failure to provide the patient with medication when she left the hospital caused her death. Id. We concluded that “[t]his sequence of events does not allege an injury arising from the ‘use’ of the medication. It states a claim for non-use of property that does not trigger waiver of sovereign immunity under the Texas Tort Claims Act.” Id. at 14. Here, KSH’s employees gave Ligón an oral form of Thorazine when he left the hospital, just as they had done since the beginning of Ligon’s outpatient commitment order. The Clarks allege that KSH should have administered an injectionable drug to ensure Ligon’s compliance, rather than the oral form given. They claim that if an injectionable medication had been used, Ligón would not have murdered his wife. The Clark’s pleadings and evidence do not show that oral Thorazine caused any harm. The gravamen of their complaint is that KSH’s non-use of an injectionable drug was the cause of their daughter’s death. This failure to use a form of drug is just as much a non-use of a drug as was the hospital’s failure to give its patient her medicine in Kassen.

There cannot be waiver of sovereign immunity in every case in which medical treatment is provided by a public facility. Doctors in state medical facilities use some[*586] form of tangible personal property nearly every time they treat a patient. Because of this fact, a patient suing for negligence could always complain that a different form of treatment than the one employed would have been more effective and still claim waiver under the Act. If such a complaint were enough to constitute the use of tangible personal property under the Act, the doctrine of sovereign immunity would be rendered a nullity. “It is difficult to imagine a tort case which does not involve the use, or nonuse, of some item of real or personal property; and to me, if there is a waiver in all cases where some item of personal property is either used or not used, there is virtually an unrestricted waiver of immunity.” Lowe v. Texas Tech Univ., 540 S.W.2d 297, 302 (Tex.1976) (Greenhill, C.J., concurring). Abolition of immunity is not what the Legislature intended in enacting the Texas Tort Claims Act.

Because the failure to prescribe a certain form of drug simply does not fall within .the definition of use under the Act, KSH did not waive its sovereign immunity. For the foregoing reasons, we reverse the judgment of the court of appeals and render judgment for KSH.

ABBOTT, J., filed a dissenting opinion in which PHILLIPS, C. J., and CORNYN and SPECTOR, JJ„ join.
1

Ligón was charged with murder, but was declared incompetent to stand trial and was transferred to the maximum security unit at Vernon State Hospital.

2

Because we hold that the Clarks’ claims are barred by sovereign immunity, we need not consider KSH’s other alleged grounds for reversal.

3

The Clarks presented expert testimony that in-jectionable Prolixin and Haldol can be effective for up to one month after the initial injection.

Dissent

ABBOTT, Justice,

joined by PHILLIPS, Chief Justice, CORNYN and SPECTOR, Justices, dissenting.

I dissent because the Court incorrectly interprets the facts and abandons precedent. The Court erroneously classifies this as a “non-use” case under the Texas Tort Claims Act and concludes that sovereign immunity is not waived. In reality, this case involves a “misuse” of drugs. Evidence showed that Kerrville State Hospital (KSH) prescribed drugs which were inappropriate for the purpose intended. Under this Court’s precedent, use of an inappropriate drug constitutes misuse of tangible personal property and waives sovereign immunity.

The treatment plan KSH created for Gary Ligón required him to meet with a KSH staff member at least once a month “for delivery of medications.” KSH was aware that Ligón was not taking his medications and that he became violent when not medication-compliant. Nonetheless, KSH prescribed the oral medication, Thorazine, and released Ligón. Dr. Schultheis, a physician who treated Li-gón at KSH, and Dr. Coons, an expert for KSH, testified that Haldol and Prolixin are injectable antipsychotic medications which could be used instead of Thorazine and could be effective for up to one month. Dr. Rosen-thal, an expert for the Clarks, testified that the long lasting injections of Prolixin or Hal-dol should have been used instead of the oral form of Thorazine. Dr. Rosenthal further testified that the use of a long lasting, inject-able antipsychotic medication, rather than the inappropriate oral medication, would have kept Ligón medication-compliant and safe for release, preventing the tragic murder of Rebecca Ligón. This evidence, indicating misuse of Thorazine, waived sovereign immunity. Similarly, the condition of the medication — oral rather than injectable— causes a waiver of sovereign immunity.

I.

The Texas Tort Claims Act (Act) waives sovereign immunity for “personal injury and death so caused by a condition or use of tangible personal or real property if the governmental unit would, were it a private person, be liable to the claimant according to Texas law.” Tex.Civ.PRAC. & Rem.Code § 101.021(2). The “use” of tangible personal property occurs when the property is brought into action or is employed for a given purpose. Mount Pleasant Indep. Sch. Dist. v. Lindburg, 766 S.W.2d 208, 211 (Tex. 1989).

Clearly, prescription drugs are tangible personal property. See Kassen v. Hatley, 887 S.W.2d 4, 15 (Tex.1994) (Phillips, C.J., dissenting). Sovereign immunity was waived when KSH used drugs to treat Ligon’s psychotic behavior. See Quinn v. Memorial Medical Ctr., 764 S.W.2d 915, 917 (Tex. App.— Corpus Christi 1989, no writ); see also Kassen, 887 S.W.2d at 15 (Phillips, C.J., dissenting). In Quinn, the court held that the dispensing of a drug is the use of tangible personal property and waives immunity un[*587] der the Act. 764 S.W.2d at 917. In this case, the delivery of medications by a KSH staff member likewise constitutes use of medications, waiving immunity under the Act. The Court’s reliance on the majority in Kassen is misplaced since, in that ease, the hospital took medicine away from a patient rather than misusing medicine it was prescribing to a patient.

“Liability has been imposed when the injuries are alleged to have proximately resulted from the negligent use of property in some respect deficient or inappropriate for the purpose for which it was used.” Hopkins v. Spring Indep. Sch. Dist., 706 S.W.2d 325, 327 (Tex.App.— Houston [14th Dist.] 1986), aff'd, 736 S.W.2d 617 (Tex.1987); see also LeLeaux v. Hamshire-Fannett Indep. Sch. Dist., 835 S.W.2d 49, 51 (Tex.1992) (stating that use means to bring into action or to apply for a given purpose). In this case, there is evidence that the use of Thorazine by KSH was both deficient and inappropriate for the purpose of safely releasing Ligon, triggering a waiver of immunity. See Lowe v. Texas Tech Univ., 540 S.W.2d 297, 300 (Tex.1976) (deficient football uniform); Overton Memorial Hosp. v. McGuire, 518 S.W.2d 528, 529 (Tex. 1975) (deficient hospital bed); Texas Dep’t of Corrections v. Jackson, 661 S.W.2d 154, 158 (Tex.App.— Houston [1st Dist.] 1983, writ refd n.r.e.); see also Robinson v. Central Tex. MHMR Ctr., 780 S.W.2d 169, 174 (Tex. 1989) (Heeht, J., dissenting) (agreeing that “a governmental unit may be liable for furnishing defective property.”). The jury was presented evidence that the drug KSH furnished to Ligón was defective because KSH knew Ligón was not taking his medication.

Admittedly, non-use or failure to use an available drug is not, standing alone, a use of tangible personal property sufficient to waive immunity under the Act. Kassen, 887 S.W.2d at 14. This case, however, does not involve the mere failure to provide necessary medicine. Rather, it involves the prescription of a drug which KSH knew Ligón had not taken in the past and probably would not take in the future. Non-use of an available drug is not the proper focus when there is also misuse of prescription medication.

In Lowe, this Court held that the failure to include a knee brace when providing a football uniform was a condition or use of tangible personal property. Lowe, 540 S.W.2d at 300. Similarly, this Court held that the failure to furnish an available life preserver, as part of a swimming uniform, to an MHMR patient waived sovereign immunity when the staff knew the patient suffered from epileptic seizures which caused him to pass out. Robinson, 780 S.W.2d at 171. The circumstances supporting a waiver of immunity here are even stronger than in Lowe and Robinson, as KSH furnished drugs specifically to treat Ligon’s psychotic behavior. It would be as if the State furnished an inappropriate knee brace in Lowe, or an inappropriate life preserver in Robinson. Even the dissenting justices in Robinson recognized this would constitute misuse of tangible personal property. 780 S.W.2d at 175 (Hecht, J., dissenting) (“[H]ad the state mental health center ... negligently supplied Robinson’s grandson with a defective life preserver, resulting in his death, its liability would be beyond question.”). Precedent thus mandates a decision denying sovereign immunity to KSH.

The Court struggles to distinguish Lowe and Robinson and says that the “difficulty of interpreting the Act’s waiver provisions has led this Court on several occasions to request guidance from the Legislature in interpreting these provisions.” Ante at 584. The Court ignores, however, its previous and consistent proclamation that legislative inaction following judicial interpretation evidences legislative adoption of such interpretation. See Robinson, 780 S.W.2d at 170 n. 4; Allen Sales and Servicenter, Inc. v. Ryan, 525 S.W.2d 863, 866 (Tex.1975); Marmon v. Mustang Aviation, Inc., 430 S.W.2d 182, 186 (Tex.1968); Moss v. Gibbs, 370 S.W.2d 452, 458-59 (Tex.1963). The Legislature’s refusal to revise the waiver provisions of the Act following Lowe and Robinson implies that it has adopted those decisions.

II.

KSH also claims that it had no duty to Rebecca. Relying on Bird v. W.C.W., 868 S.W.2d 767 (Tex.1994), KSH argues that a[*588] mental health professional owes a duty of care only to his or her patient. Alternatively, KSH insists that a duty to a non-patient arises only if there are specific threats against specific persons. Williams v. Sun Valley Hosp., 723 S.W.2d 783 (Tex.App.— El Paso 1987, writ ref d n.r.e.).

The Clarks concede that health care professionals owe no blanket duty to the public. But, they disagree with the assertion that a specific threat against a specific person is required to establish a duty to a non-patient. Instead, the Clarks argue that KSH had a duty because KSH had control over Ligón and knew or reasonably should have known that he posed a serious danger to a readily identifiable person or class of persons. I agree.

At the outset, I conclude that Bird does not control this case. In Bird, we held that a mental health professional who negligently misdiagnoses sexual abuse of a child owes no duty of care to the child’s parent who may suffer false accusations and adverse legal consequences from the misdiagnosis. In reaching that decision, we relied on factors unique to that factual setting, such as the inherent difficulty in diagnosing sexual abuse of a child and the social utility in encouraging a full investigation of sexual abuse claims. Bird, 868 S.W.2d at 769. Because those factors have no bearing on a mental health professional’s duty of care to third persons who may be harmed by a violent, psychotic patient, Bird is not controlling.

More analogous to this case is Otis Engineering Corp. v. Clark, 668 S.W.2d 307 (Tex. 1983). In that case we held that employers who exercise control over incapacitated employees owe a duty of reasonable care to third parties who risk injury from that employee. Otis Eng’g, 668 S.W.2d at 311. “Such a duty may be analogized to cases in which a defendant can exercise some measure of reasonable control over a dangerous person when there is a recognizable great danger of harm to third persons.” Id.; see also Graff v. Beard, 858 S.W.2d 918, 920 (Tex.1993) (stating that the right to control is a factor in determining duty).

In recognizing this duty, we have relied in part on section 319 of the Restatement (Second) of Torts which provides:

§ 319. Duty of Those in Charge of Person Having Dangerous Propensities
One who takes charge of a third person whom he knows or should know to be likely to cause bodily harm to others if not controlled is under a duty to exercise reasonable care to control the third person to prevent him from doing such harm.

Restatement (Second) of ToRts § 319 (1965); see Otis Eng’g, 668 S.W.2d at 311.

Section 319 establishes a duty of care in this case. Following Ligon’s release from KSH in August 1989, he remained under a court-ordered out-patient commitment. In the out-patient commitment order, the court rendered findings that Ligón is “mentally ill,” that as a result of that mental illness he is “likely ... [t]o cause serious harm to self and/or others,” and that, if not treated, he will “continue to suffer severe and abnormal mental, emotional or physical distress....” The court designated Lois Hutson, a clinical social worker with KSH, as the individual responsible for Ligon’s out-patient care, directing her to submit a treatment program to be incorporated into the commitment order. See TexHealth & Safety Code § 574.037. This treatment program recognized that Li-gón had a long history of “assaultive and aggressive behaviors” and was “potentially very dangerous.” It called for treatment through a drug regimen to control Ligon’s physical aggression and to alleviate his psychotic symptomatology, and it required Li-gón to return to the hospital for periodic examinations to monitor his compliance. Hutson was required by statute to inform the court if Ligón failed to comply with the treatment program. See TexHealth & Safety Code § 574.037(c)(1). Under these circumstances, KSH was in “charge” of Ligón for purposes of section 319 of the Restatement.

Further, there is evidence that KSH knew or should have known that Ligón posed a likely threat to Rebecca if he was not properly medicated. In addition to the findings in the commitment order and treatment program, Ligon’s medical records indicated that he was the “most dangerous [type of] patient[*589] seen in a psychiatric practice.” “He is potentially suicidal and/or homicidal.” “Patient is violent when intoxicated, has attempted suicide several times, has been assaultive towards family and police.” “Patient is potentially suicidal and/or homicidal and is alcohol dependent and non-compliant in taking anti-manic meds.” “This patient can become extremely dangerous to self or others if not medication-compliant and abstinent from alcohol.” Under these circumstances, KSH clearly owed a duty to Rebecca to exercise reasonable care in treating Ligón for his psychotic behavior.

III.

KSH next argues that there is no evidence that any action on its part caused Rebecca’s death. When deciding a no evidence point we must consider only the evidence and all reasonable inferences which support the jury finding. See Orozco v. Sander, 824 S.W.2d 555, 556 (Tex.1992). If there is more than a scintilla of evidence to support the finding, the no evidence challenge must fail. Id.

Proximate cause has two elements, foreseeability and cause-in-fact. Travis v. City of Mesquite, 830 S.W.2d 94, 98 (Tex.1992). Foreseeability is satisfied if a person of ordinary intelligence should have anticipated the danger caused by his negligent act. Id. The particular manner of the injury need not be foreseeable to establish this element. Id. “Although the criminal conduct of a third party may be a superseding cause which relieves the negligent actor from liability, the actor’s negligence is not superseded and will not be excused when the criminal conduct is a foreseeable result of such negligence.” Id.

As discussed earlier, there are notes in Ligon’s medical file discussing his homicidal tendencies, his assaultive behavior towards his family, his failure to remain medication-compliant, and his violent behavior when not medication-compliant. Further, Ligón was originally committed to KSH for assaulting his wife. This is some evidence that KSH knew or should have known that Ligón would assault Rebecca if released without being properly medicated. As such, the foreseeability prong is satisfied.

Cause-in-fact may be proven by circumstantial evidence. Havner v. E-Z Mart Stores, Inc., 825 S.W.2d 456, 459 (Tex.1992). Cause-in-fact is established if the negligent act “was a substantial factor in bringing about the injury, and without it harm would not have occurred.” Travis, 830 S.W.2d at 98; see also Brown v. Edwards Transfer Co., 764 S.W.2d 220, 223 (Tex.1988).

Experts for both the Clarks and KSH testified that Ligon’s medical records indicated that he had been violent towards Rebecca when not medication-compliant and that if released without being properly medicated he would likely be violent towards Rebecca again, especially considering his ongoing separation and divorce. Ligón admitted to the KSH doctors that he was not taking his medication. Dr. Rosenthal, an expert for the Clarks, testified that KSH could have assured Ligon’s compliance with his treatment plan by administering long-acting forms of antipsychotic medication by injection, and that the absence of such injections was a “real deficiency” in his treatment plan. This, coupled with the evidence of Ligon’s history of violent behavior when off antipsychotic medication, and Ligon’s violent murder of Rebecca only seven days after being discharged, is some evidence from which the jury could infer that the hospital’s misuse of medication caused Rebecca’s death.

IV.

While I conclude that there is some evidence that KSH misused tangible personal property within the meaning of the Tort Claims Act, KSH correctly contends that the trial court erred in submitting the liability issue to the jury. Question 1, which the jury answered affirmatively, provided as follows:

Was Kerrville State Hospital negligent in discharging Gary Ligón on May 24, 1990?
You are instructed that in determining the negligence, if any, of the officers and employees of Kerrville State Hospital, consider only their use or misuse of medical records, admission and discharge documents, and/or medications of Gary Ligón,

(emphasis added). KSH objected to this question, arguing to the trial court that “the[*590] particular properties that are attempted to be listed [in question 1] do not come within the definition of tangible personal property, with the exception of medications.” The court overruled this objection.

KSH argues that the jury should not have been permitted to consider the use or misuse of medical records or other documents, over its timely objection. I agree. While the paper on which medical records and other documents are printed constitutes tangible personal property, the information contained in the records and documents is intangible. See University of Texas Med. Branch v. York, 871 S.W.2d 175, 179 (Tex.1994). The Tort Claims Act does not waive immunity for misuse of intangible information, even if the information is reduced to writing. Id. Because question 1 .erroneously allowed the jury to consider the hospital’s misuse of the information contained in Ligon’s medical records, KSH is entitled to a new trial. See Spencer v. Eagle Star Ins. Co., 876 S.W.2d 154, 157 (Tex.1994).

For the foregoing reasons, I would reverse the judgment of the court of appeals and remand this cause to the trial court for a new trial.