Bridgeford v. Odifie et al

Filing 53

MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Judge Peter J. Messitte on 6/29/2017. (kns, Deputy Clerk)(c/m 6/30/17)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF MARYLAND
DOUGLASS BRIDGEFORD, #330-749

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Plaintiff

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v.

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MS. ODIFIE, Pharmacy Tech,
Nurse CHRISTINA BIRD,

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Civil Action No. PJM-16-2454

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Defendants
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MEMORANDUM OPINION

Douglass Bridgeford (“Bridgeford”) is an inmate currently incarcerated at Eastern
Correctional Institution (“ECI”) in Westover, Maryland. Pending is Bridgeford’s Complaint,
filed pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §1983 and supplemented, alleging he was denied prescription
medications by Defendants Naa Odifie, R.Ph. (“Odifie”) and Christina Bird, L.P.N. (“Bird”)
during the time he was confined at the Maryland Correctional Institution-Hagerstown (“MCIH”).
ECF 1, 4, 8, 10, 12. Bird filed a Motion to Dismiss or, in the Alternative, Motion for Summary
Judgment (ECF 35) to which Bridgeford filed an Opposition Response (ECF 38) and Bird filed a
Reply. ECF No. 40. Odifie filed a Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim (ECF 46) and
Bridgeford filed an Opposition Response. ECF No. 50.
The issues are briefed and the Court now rules without an evidentiary hearing, having
deemed it unnecessary. Local Rule 105.6 (D. Md. 2016). For the reasons stated below, Bird’s
Motion to Dismiss, or in the Alternative, Motion for Summary Judgment, (ECF 35), construed as
a Motion for Summary Judgment, IS GRANTED. Odifie’s Motion to Dismiss (ECF 46) also IS
GRANTED.

BACKGROUND
Bridgeford, who is self-represented, initiated this lawsuit on June 29, 2016, alleging he
has been denied pain medication which amounts to “cruel and unusual punishment.” ECF No. 1.
All of the originally named Defendants in the Complaint, except Odifie, have since been
dismissed at his request. On July 15, 2016, Bridgeford amended the Complaint to add Bird as a
Defendant.1
STANDARD OF REVIEW
I. Motion to Dismiss
Rule 12(b)(6) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure authorizes the dismissal of a complaint
if it fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6). The purpose
of Rule 12(b)(6) is “to test the sufficiency of a complaint and not to resolve contests surrounding
the facts, the merits of a claim, or the applicability of defenses.”

Presley v. City of

Charlottesville, 464 F.3d 480, 483 (4th Cir. 2006); see also Goines v. Valley Cmty. Servs. Bd.,
822 F.3d 159, 165-66 (4th Cir. 2016). The sufficiency of a complaint is assessed by reference to
the pleading requirements of Rule 8(a)(2), which provides that a complaint must contain a “short
and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief.” Fed. R. Civ. P.
8(a)(2).
To survive a motion under Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6), a complaint must contain facts sufficient
to “state a claim to relief that is plausible on its face.” Bell Atl., Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544,

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Bridgeford’s filings can be erratic and difficult to discern. Nevertheless, the Court is mindful that Bridgeford is a
pro se litigant and accords his pleadings generous construction. See e.g. Erickson v. Pardus, 551 U.S. 89, 94 (2007)
(self-represented pleadings must be held to “less stringent standards than those by lawyers.”) For example, on
August 8, 2016, Bridgeford moved to dismiss all medical defendants, which the Court granted. ECF No. 8, 9. On
August 10, 2016, he filed correspondence indicating that he has asked for Bird’s dismissal in error and had intended
to pursue his claims against her. ECF 10. On August 31, 2016, the Court treated the correspondence as a Motion to
Amend the Complaint, granted the Motion and reinstated Bird as a defendant. ECF 11. On October 26, 2016,
Bridgeford filed correspondence requesting that all previous litigation filed by him be dismissed, and then
Bridgeford clarified direction that he intended Bird to remain as a defendant. ECF 34.

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570 (2007); Ashcroft v. Iqbal, 556 U.S. 662, 684 (2009). Under the plausibility standard, a
complaint must contain “more than labels and conclusions” or a “formulaic recitation of the
elements of a cause of action.” Twombly, 550 U.S. at 555; see Painter's Mill Grille, LLC v.
Brown, 716 F.3d 342, 350 (4th Cir. 2013).
In reviewing a Rule 12(b)(6) motion, a court “ ‘must accept as true all of the factual
allegations contained in the complaint’ ” and must “ ‘draw all reasonable inferences [from those
facts] in favor of the plaintiff.’ ” E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. v. Kolon Indus., Inc., 637 F.3d
435, 440 (4th Cir. 2011) (citations omitted); see Houck v. Substitute Tr. Servs., Inc., 791 F.3d
473, 484 (4th Cir. 2015); Semenova v. Maryland Transit Admin., 845 F.3d 564, 567 (4th Cir.
2017). While a court must accept as true all the factual allegations contained in the complaint,
legal conclusions drawn from those facts are not accorded such deference. Iqbal, 556 U.S. at
678 (“[t]hreadbare recitals of the elements of a cause of action, supported by mere conclusory
statements, do not suffice” to plead a claim); see A Society Without a Name v. Virginia, 655 F.3d
342, 346 (4th. Cir. 2011).
II. Summary Judgment
Summary judgment is proper when the moving party demonstrates, through “particular
parts of materials in the record, including depositions, documents, electronically stored
information, affidavits or declarations, stipulations . . . , admissions, interrogatory answers, or
other materials,” that “there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is
entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a), (c)(1)(A); see Baldwin v. City of
Greensboro, 714 F.3d 828, 833 (4th Cir. 2013).

If the party seeking summary judgment

demonstrates that there is no evidence to support the nonmoving party's case, the burden shifts to
the nonmoving party to identify evidence that shows that a genuine dispute exists as to material

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facts. See Celotex v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317 (1986).

The existence of only a “scintilla of

evidence” is not enough to defeat a motion for summary judgment. Anderson v. Liberty Lobby,
Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 251-52 (1986). Instead, the evidentiary materials submitted must show facts
from which the finder of fact reasonably could find for the party opposing summary judgment.
Id.
If this initial burden is met, the opposing party may not rest on the mere allegations in the
complaint. Id. at 247–48. The opposing party “must come forward with specific facts showing
that there is a genuine issue for trial.” Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475
U.S. 574, 587 (1986). Where the record taken as a whole could not lead a rational trier of fact to
find for the non-moving party, summary judgment is appropriate. Anderson, 477 U.S. at 248–49.
The argued existence of a factual dispute does not defeat an otherwise properly supported
motion. Id. “If the evidence is merely colorable or is not significantly probative,” summary
judgment is appropriate. Id. at 249–50 (citations omitted). “When opposing parties tell two
different stories, one of which is blatantly contradicted by the record, so that no reasonable jury
could believe it, a court should not adopt [the moving party's] version of the facts for purposes of
ruling on a motion for summary judgment.” Scott v. Harris, 550 U.S. 372, 380 (2007).
On a motion for summary judgment, the Court considers the facts in the light most
favorable to Bridgeford as the non-moving party, drawing all justifiable inferences in his favor.
Ricci v. DeStefano, 557 U.S. 557, 585–86 (2009).
DISCUSSION
Bridgeford’s allegations raise an Eighth Amendment claim of constitutionally inadequate
medical care. In order to demonstrate an Eighth Amendment violation, a prisoner must prove
two elements: “(1) that objectively the deprivation of a basic human need was sufficiently

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serious, and (2) that subjectively the prison officials acted with a sufficiently culpable state of
mind.” See Johnson v. Quinones, 145 F.3d 164, 167 (4th Cir. 1998) (citing Wilson v. Seiter, 501
U.S. 294, 298 (1991)). The objective element is satisfied by a serious medical condition, and the
subjective element is satisfied by showing deliberate indifference. Id. “[D]eliberate indifference
entails something more than mere negligence [but] is satisfied by something less than acts or
omissions for the very purpose of causing harm or with knowledge that harm will result.” Id.
(quoting Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U.S. 825, 835 (1994). Deliberate indifference to a serious
medical need requires proof that, objectively, the prisoner was suffering from a serious medical
need and that, subjectively, prison staff was aware of the need for medical attention but failed
either to provide it or ensure the needed care was available. Id. at 837 (1994).
The medical treatment provided must be so grossly incompetent, inadequate, or excessive as
to shock the conscience or to be intolerable to fundamental fairness. See Miltier v. Beorn, 896 F
.2d 848, 851 (4th Cir. 1990) (citation omitted). A defendant must know of and disregard an
excessive risk to inmate health or safety. “[T]he [defendant] must both be aware of facts from
which the inference could be drawn that a substantial risk of serious harm exists and he must also
draw the inference.” Farmer v. Brennan, 511 U.S. 825, 837 (1994). Disagreements between an
inmate and a medical provider over the course of an inmate's proper medical care is not enough
to state a claim of deliberate indifference. Wright v. Collins, 766 F.2d 841, 849 (4th Cir.1985);
see also Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. 97, 104-05 (1976); Russell v. Sheffer, 528 F.2d 318, 319
(4th Cir. 1975). “[A]ny negligence or malpractice on the part of . . . doctors in missing [a]
diagnosis does not, by itself, support an inference of deliberate indifference.” Johnson, 145 F. 3d
at 166. The Court shall consider Bridgeford’s allegations in the context of this legal framework.

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I.

Claims Against Nurse Bird

Bridgeford alleges generally that Bird stole his medication and altered his medical records.
ECF 4 at pp. 2-3; ECF 4-1. Specifically, he claims: 1) on July 5, 2016, Bird “rewrote” a medical
order for delivery of a 76-pill blister-pack of Gabapentin (Neurontin)2 and did not deliver the
medication to him (ECF 10 at p. 3); 2) on July 8, 2016, Bird took 46 of his Gabapentin pills
(ECF 4); and 3) Bird took 90 tablets of “some” 600 mg. medication in the month of June in an
unspecified year. ECF 4. As relief, Bridgeford seeks monetary damages of $3,500. ECF 10, at
p. 1.
In response, Bird has filed her affidavit and 72 pages of Bridgeford’s verified medical
records. ECF 35-4, ECF 35-5. In her affidavit, Bird attests she did not administer Neurontin to
Bridgeford in July 2016, because at that time he did not have an active prescription for that
medication. Bird indicates she does not have authority to prescribe medication. Bird Decl. ECF
35-5 ¶3. Regarding the allegation that in June of an unspecified year, she wrongfully took 90
tabs of 600mg. of “some” medication, she states that the only 600 mg medication prescribed in
June of 2016 was a tapering dose of Gabapentin active only from June 8 to June 16, 2016. Id.
¶4; see also Medical Records, ECF 35-4 at p. 10. Bird attests no prescription for 90 pills of
Gabapentin was written for Bridgeford in June of 2016. ECF 35-5 ¶4. She notes that had
Bridgeford been given a Gabapentin prescription for 90 tabs on July 5, 2016, there would be no
medical need for another Gabapentin prescription for 46 tabs to issue on July 8, 2016. Id. Bird
attests “she never wrongfully diverted or withheld Bridgeford’s Neurontin or any other
medication prescribed for him for her own or anyone else’s benefit.” Id. ¶6.

2

The record refers to the medication interchangeably by both its generic and brand names, as shall the Court.

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On April 26, 2016, Jonathan Thompson, M.D.3 submitted a request to renew Bridgeford’s
non-formulary prescription for Neurontin for knee pain. ECF 35-4 at 1-2, 3. On April 27, 2016,
Dr. Odifie, a pharmacist, denied the medication order because Bridgeford’s prior use of Synvisc
and intraarticular steroid injection were indications that he had osteoarthritis, and anticonvulsants
like Gabapentin, are not indicated for management of degenerative joint disease. Id. Odifie
recommended tapering and discontinuing the Gabapentin over seven days. Id.4 The prescription
was discontinued on April 27, 2016. Id. at p. 52.
On May 2, 2016, Bridgeford presented complaints of pain to Rosalie Thurber, R.N. He
asked for Neurontin, and dismissed the possibility of knee surgery because it “won’t help.” Id. at
p. 3. Bridgeford stated his knee injection was performed on the wrong side and his Tramadol5
was not working. Thurber’s notes indicate that although Bridgeford asserted he was in terrible
pain, he did not appear so and, at the end of the meeting, he walked so briskly from the medical
room that the correctional officer had to catch-up to him. Id. On the same day, Bridgeford met
with Siobhan Noonan, R.N. asking to have his medications “fixed.” Id. at p. 4. Noonan
explained the order for nonformulary Gabapentin was declined.

Bridgeford had active

prescriptions for Tramadol 50mg.and aspirin EC 81 mg. Id.
On May 18, 2016, Bridgeford met with Noonan, expressing his need for Neurontin for nerve
pain. She referred him to a medical provider for his medication requests and complaints of
continuing knee problems. Noonan noted Bridgeford was ambulatory with no apparent signs of
3

Bridgeford named Dr. Thompson was a defendant in the Complaint as initially filed. ECF 1. The Court later
granted Bridgeford’s request to dismiss Thompson from the case. ECF 8, 9.
4

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in causing seizures
and some types of pain. Synvisc is a synthetic fluid replacement for the natural fluid that lubricates the joints used
to provide relief from osteoarthritis symptoms. See ECF No. 35-3 nn. 1, 2.

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Tramadol (brand name Ultram) is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. It belongs to the group of medicines
called opioid analgesics. See https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0012486/?report=details; see also
ECF No. 35-3 n. 3.

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distress. Id. at p. 5.
On May 20, 2016, Nurse Thurber and Bridgeford met again. Thurber advised that another
non-formulary pain medication request for Gabapentin had been submitted and declined.
Thurber referred Bridgeford to a medical provider for his medication and knee problems. Id. at
p. 6.
On June 8, 2016, Dr. Thompson examined Bridgeford during a chronic care visit. Thompson
informed Bridgeford that his tele-med conference with Dr. Krishaswamy, an orthopedist, had
been cancelled by Dr. Krishnaswamy who had to be elsewhere, but the teleconference would be
rescheduled.

The record indicates Bridgeford wanted to discuss reinstating the Neurontin

prescription. Thompson wrote a prescription for a seven-day tapering dose of Gabapentin. Id. at
p. 10. Thompson also renewed Bridgeford’s prescription for Tramadol, which he had been using
since August 8, 2011, for chronic neuropathic pain. Odifie recommended against continuing the
Tramadol because opioid medications are not intended for long-term use for chronic pain due to
their propensity to cause tolerance to therapeutic effects and physical dependence. Id. at p. 11.
Odifie recommended tapering Bridgeford off Tramadol and introducing Cymbalta6 once his
Gabapentin was discontinued.
On June 10, 2016, Noonan met with Bridgeford who complained about discontinuing
Gabapentin and Tramadol.

Noonan explained the Gabapentin tapering process and told

Bridgeford that the non-formulary request for Tramadol was denied.

Noonan referred

Bridgeford to a medical provider. Id. at p. 12.
On June 15, 2016, Bridgeford met with Wanda Lumpkins, P.A., for his complaints of knee
pain and asked for Cymbalta for pain. Id. Lumpkins indicated she would discuss the request

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Cymbalta is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressant (SSNRI). It is prescribed
for various conditions including chronic muscle or joint pain. ECF 35-3 n. 5.

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with the Regional Medical Director (“RMD”). Id. at p. 13.
On June 17, 2016, Bridgeford complained to Nurse Noonan that he had not received
Cymbalta. Noonan noted Bridgeford’s electronic health record (EPHR) showed no active order
for Cymbalta. Id. at p. 15.
On June 22, 2015, Bridgeford presented a list of complaints to Nurse Thurber, which
included obtaining a prescription for Cymbalta. Lumpkins submitted a non-formulary drug
request for Cymbalta (60 mg) for 120 days which was approved on June 27, 2016. Id. at p. 20.
On July 5, 2015, Dr. Krishnaswamy held a teleconference with Bridgeford and recommended
arthroscopic surgery for his right knee. Id. at pp. 22-25. The surgery was performed on July 28,
2016, at Bon Secours Hospital. Bridgeford was sent to the Jessup Regional Institution after
surgery, where he was prescribed a three-day course of Percocet for pain relief. Id. at pp. 29-31.
After Bridgeford returned to MCIH, he was seen on July 29, 2016, by Maryanne Reimer,
N.P., for post-operative evaluation.

Bridgeford reported that he stopped taking Cymbalta

because it upset his stomach. Reimer discontinued the prescription. She also noted Bridgeford
had a marked ambulatory deficit even with using a cane. Id. at p. 32.
On August 2, 2016, Bridgeford requested a renewal of his Gabapentin prescription. Id. at p.
35. Kira Froude, R.N. noted his gait was within normal limits and he walked without apparent
difficulty. Id.

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On August 11, 2016, Bridgeford had an altercation with an unidentified nurse in the
dispensary, poured water on himself, and was taken to segregation housing. He stated he had not
taken his medication. Id. at p. 37.
On August 16, 2016, Bridgeford told Nurse Froude that he was in severe pain and wanted
7

On August 10, 2016, Bridgeford filed the Amendment to the Complaint adding Bird as a defendant. ECF 10.
Curiously, none of the medical records show any interaction between Bird and Bridgeford. ECF 16-4.

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knee surgery follow-up to remove his stitches. He requested Gabapentin and Tramadol for pain
management. Froude observed that Bridgeford’s surgical wounds had healed, his range of
motion was within normal limits, he was using a cane, and he walked without apparent distress.
Id. at p. 41. On August 22, 2016, Nurse Practitioner Reimer prescribed acetaminophen (Tylenol)
with codeine for his knee pain, which he reported was effective. Id. at p. 44, 46.
On September 7, 2016, Bridgeford complained of left knee pain. He wanted to return his
cane and requested smaller knee braces. Reimer prescribed Gabapentin (400 mg) and extended
his acetaminophen with codeine prescription to October 7, 2016. Id. at p. 48.
Bridgeford was transferred from MCIH to Roxbury Correctional Institution (“RCI”) on
September 9, 2016. Id. at p. 50. Defendant Bird did not provide nursing care to inmates at RCI
in September of 2016. ECF 35-5 ¶ 6.
Bridgeford’s Opposition Response (ECF No. 37, 38)8 is largely unresponsive to Bird’s
dispositive motion and is unsupported by declarations under oath or verified exhibits.
Bridgeford avers that Bird “violated her commitment to treat me after operation which she did
not. . .” and asserts generally that Bird violated his rights under the Americans with Disabilities
Act, asserts medical personnel participate in a “theft ring steal” involving inmate medication, he
is still not being treated for pain, and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
(DPSCS) continues to transfer him to new correctional facilities.

Bridgeford’s allegations

concerning wound care are unclear, and are raised for the first time in his Opposition Response,
as are his baldly asserted ADA claims and his claim against the DPSCS. Bridgeford may not
amend the Complaint to add new claims in pleadings opposing a motion to dismiss, as “it is
axiomatic that the complaint may not be amended by briefs in opposition to a motion to
dismiss.” Myland Labs., Inc. v Akzo, N.V., 770 F. Supp. 1053, 1068 (D. Md. 1991) (citing Car
8

Bridgeford assigns his Opposition Response (ECF 38), as well as many other pleadings, lengthy, self-styled titles.

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Carriers, Inc. v. Ford Motor Co., 745 F.2d 1101 (7th Cir. 1984)). The Court will confine
consideration to allegations in the Complaint.
Bird directly refutes Bridgeford’s allegations in affidavit, attesting that she never
wrongfully diverted or withheld Bridgeford’s Neurontin or any other medication prescribed for
him for her own or any other person’s benefit. Bird Decl. ECF No 35-5. The uncontroverted
medical record demonstrates that Bridgeford did not have an active prescription for Neurontin on
July 5 or July 8, 2016 and was not prescribed 90 pills of Gabapentin in June or “some medicine.”
Absent an active prescription, Bird lacked authority to administer the medication to Bridgeford.
Apart from Bridgeford’s own assertions, he has submitted no evidence that Bird acted with
deliberate indifference to his pain. Bridgeford’s medical records demonstrate that Bridgeford’s
medical concerns were monitored regularly, he was provided different medications, treatment
modalities (braces, cane), and arthroscopic surgery to address his knee condition and associated
complaints of pain. Thus, even when the facts are viewed in the light most favorable to
Bridgeford, there is no genuine issue of material fact whether Bird acted with deliberate
indifference to his serious medical needs. Accordingly, Bird is entitled to summary judgment in
her favor as a matter of law.
II.

Claims against Dr. Odifie
Bridgeford alleges Odifie stopped all his pain medications ordered by Dr. Thompson.

ECF No. 1. As relief, he asks for $5,000 damages and to enjoin Odifie from “sabotaging” Dr.
Thompson’s medical orders. Id. at p. 3; ECF 10 at p. 1.
Odifie asserts she is entitled to dismissal because Bridgeford states no cause of action
against her. ECF 46-1. Bridgeford was neither Odifie’s patient, nor was he under her care.
And, as a clinical pharmacist, Odifie can only make recommendations concerning mediations,

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she does not dispense medication. Rather, she assists prescribers by making recommendations
for appropriate therapy. Id. at p. 3. To the extent Bridgeford’s threadbare allegations can be
construed to raise an Eighth Amendment claim of constitutionally inadequate medical care, he
provides no evidence that Odifie’s recommendations were made with deliberate indifference to
his serious medical needs.9 To the extent Bridgeford’s allegations suggest his disagreement with
the medications prescribed and provided to him, such disagreement does not support a claim of
constitutional abridgement. Accordingly, the Court will grant Odifie’s Motion to Dismiss.
CONCLUSION
For these reasons, the Court will GRANT Bird’s Motion for Summary Judgment (ECF
35) and Odifie’s Motion to Dismiss (ECF 46). A separate Order follows this Memorandum
Opinion.

______________/s/_________________

June 29, 2017

PETER J. MESSITTE
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

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To the contrary, Odifie’s recommendations contained in the records submitted by Nurse Bird, reflect attention to
potential harmful drug interactions, given Bridgeford’s various medical conditions in addition to his knee pain.
Odifie’s recommended alternative medicines instead. See supra pp. 6, 8.

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