(BENTON, Ky.)-David Fuqua, CEO of Marshall County Hospital, has announced his retirement while a civil rights case involving the hospital remains under appeal.
The case, Commonwealth of Kentucky Marshall Circuit Court Case No. 20-CI-00282, involves former Pharmacy Director Darlene Harvey, who was employed at the hospital for 18 years. Harvey filed suit against Marshall County Hospital and Fuqua alleging violations of the Kentucky Civil Rights Act.
A Marshall County jury found in favor of Harvey, determining that the hospital terminated her employment in retaliation for reporting alleged discriminatory hiring practices. The termination occurred days after Harvey made her report, according to court records.
Marshall County Hospital paid the amount awarded by the jury verdict. However, the hospital has continued to appeal other aspects of the case. The appeals process has been ongoing for nearly two years, with Kentucky courts ruling against the hospital in these proceedings.
The continued litigation has resulted in additional financial obligations for the hospital, including accrued interest on the judgment.
Marshall County Hospital is currently searching for new administration to replace Fuqua.
Harvey was terminated from her position as Pharmacy Director following her report of the hospital’s hiring practices. The jury’s verdict centered on whether this termination constituted unlawful retaliation under state civil rights law.
The case remains pending as appeals continue through the Kentucky court system.
