BARBARA A. McAULIFFE, Magistrate Judge.
Plaintiff Manuel Arenas ("Plaintiff") is a state prisoner proceeding pro se and in forma pauperis in this civil rights action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Currently before the Court is the First Amended Complaint, filed March 19, 2012. (ECF No. 82.)
The Court is required to screen complaints brought by prisoners seeking relief against a governmental entity or officer or employee of a governmental entity.
In determining whether a complaint states a claim, the Court looks to the pleading standard under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 8(a). Under Rule 8(a), a complaint must contain "a short and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief."
Under section 1983, Plaintiff must demonstrate that each defendant personally participated in the deprivation of his rights.
Plaintiff is in the custody of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and is incarcerated at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility ("CSATF"). Plaintiff alleges that Defendant Enanmoh was promoted to the position of Chief Medical Officer and was aware that Plaintiff suffered from severe pain and that denial of his pain medication would result in Plaintiff having a seizure. (First Amended Complaint 2, ECF No. 82.)
On March 6 and 7, 2008, Plaintiff went to the facility clinic and was informed that his pain medication had been discontinued. Plaintiff suffered a seizure on March 10, 2008, from being denied pain medication. Plaintiff filed an inmate appeal and was informed that he would receive proper pain management and healthcare services. Plaintiff alleges that Defendant Enanmoh was deliberately indifferent to Plaintiff's serious medical needs by failing to act and he is being denied pain medication, medical treatment, and healthcare services. (
Plaintiff alleges that the healthcare provided at the prison is inadequate and displays callous disregard to the health and well being of prisoners, including Plaintiff. On March 6, 2007, Plaintiff went to the clinic because he had not received his medication and was told that the prescription would be filled by noon. On March 7, 2007, Plaintiff went to the clinic and was turned away again. (
On March 10, 2007, Plaintiff went to the clinic with chest pains and was placed in a holding cell, at which time he had a seizure. When Plaintiff came to he was informed that his medication had been discontinued. Plaintiff was seen by a doctor, "who might have been [Defendant] Enanmoh." (
For the reasons set forth below, Plaintiff has failed to state a cognizable claim under section 1983. Plaintiff has previously been granted leave to amend his complaint, and has now filed two complaints without alleging facts sufficient to state a cognizable claim. The Court finds that the deficiencies are unable to be cured by amendment, and this action should be dismissed for failure to state a claim.
"[T]o maintain an Eighth Amendment claim based on prison medical treatment, an inmate must show "deliberate indifference to serious medical needs.'"
Deliberate indifference is shown where the official is aware of a serious medical need and fails to adequately respond.
Government officials may not be held liable for the actions of their subordinates under a theory of respondeat superior.
It is clear from the allegation that Plaintiff was seen by a doctor "who might have been [Defendant] Enanmoh" that Plaintiff is not aware of who treated him following his seizure on March 10, 2008. (First Amended Complaint at 3.) Plaintiff's speculation that Defendant Enanmoh might have treated him is insufficient to state a cognizable claim. Additionally, the doctor who treated Plaintiff gave him his medication and informed Plaintiff that he would receive the medication the next morning. Plaintiff did receive his medication the following day.
While Plaintiff states he is being denied medication, he also states that he has been provided with Codeine. A difference of opinion between a prisoner and prison medical authorities as to proper treatment does not give rise to a claim.
Finally, while Plaintiff complains that the medical care at the prison is inadequate to meet the needs of the inmates, "[t]hreadbare recitals of the elements of a cause of action, supported by mere conclusory statements, do not suffice" to state a claim.
The Court finds that Plaintiff's First Amended Complaint fails to state any claims upon which relief can be granted under section 1983. Under Rule 15(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, leave to amend `shall be freely given when justice so requires.'" In addition, "[l]eave to amend should be granted if it appears at all possible that the plaintiff can correct the defect."
Accordingly, based on the foregoing, the Court HEREBY RECOMMENDS that this action be dismissed in its entirety, with prejudice, for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.
These findings and recommendations will be submitted to the United States District Judge assigned to the case, pursuant to the provisions of Title 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(l). Within thirty (30) days after being served with these findings and recommendations, Plaintiff may file written objections with the Court. The document should be captioned "Objections to Magistrate Judge's Findings and Recommendations." Plaintiff is advised that failure to file objections within the specified time may waive the right to appeal the District Court's order.