Findings Of Fact Based on the Stipulation of the Parties, the following facts are found: Petitioners are the parents and legal guardians of Leina Gotay (Leina), and are the “Claimants” as defined by section 766.302(3). Leina incurred a “birth-related neurological injury” as that term is defined in section 766.302(2). At birth, Leina weighed 2,750 grams. B. Vereen Chithriki, M.D., rendered obstetrical services in the delivery of Leina and, at all times material to this proceeding, was a “participating physician” as defined in section 766.302(7). Baptist Medical Center South is a hospital located in Jacksonville, Florida, and is the “hospital” as that term is defined in section 766.302(6), where Leina was born. Petitioners filed a Petition for Benefits pursuant to section 766.305, seeking compensation from NICA, and that Petition for Benefits is incorporated by reference in its entirety, including all attachments. Any reference made within this document to NICA encompasses, where appropriate, the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Plan (the Plan).
Findings Of Fact By stipulation filed October 5, 1993, petitioners and respondent stipulated as follows: COMES NOW, Jorge Soto and Anahi Soto, as natural guardians of Ana Marie Soto, a minor, and the Respondent, Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association, by and through their undersigned attorneys and hereby stipulate to the following matters of record as evidenced by Claimant's Petition for Benefits, the medical records of the Claimants, and the affidavit of the Association's Records Custodian, Judy Duell, and hereby stipulate as follows: That the Petitioner filed a claim for compensation ("Petition") on May 21, 1992. That the Petition relates to the birth of ANA MARIE SOTO, which occurred on March 4, 1990, at Jackson North Maternity Hospital, Miami, Dade County, Florida. That the medical doctor providing obstetric services during the birth of Ana Marie Soto on March 4, 1990 was Dr. Alvaro Gordo, M.D. That a review of the records of the Respondent as evidenced in the Duell affidavit clearly indicates that as of March 4, 1990, Dr. Alvaro Gordo, M.D. was not a participating physician within the meaning of Section 766.301(7) and Section 766.314(c), Fla. Stat. (1991). WHEREFORE, the parties stipulate to the matters above for the purpose of providing a factual predicate upon which the Court may dispose of this claim without resort to further proceedings.
Findings Of Fact Jayden was born on September 20, 2011, at Jackson North Medical Center. The subject Petition was filed on June 25, 2018, which is more than five years after Jayden’s birth. Dr. Vaunrance Benjamin was the physician providing obstetric services and who was present at Jayden’s birth. Attached to Respondent’s Motion is the affidavit of Respondent’s Record’s Custodian, Tim Daughtry. Mr. Daughtry attests in his affidavit that, in 2011, Dr. Benjamin did not pay the five thousand dollar ($5,000.00) assessment prescribed in section 766.314(4)(c), Florida Statutes, required for participation in the Plan. Mr. Daughtry’s affidavit further provides that Respondent has no records to suggest that Dr. Benjamin is otherwise exempt from payment. To the contrary, Dr. Benjamin paid the two hundred fifty dollar ($250.00) assessment required by section 766.314(4)(b)1. for non- participating, non-exempt licensed physicians. Dr. Benjamin was not a participating physician in the Plan at the time of Jayden’s birth.
Findings Of Fact By stipulation filed January 18, 1994, petitioner and respondent stipulated as follows: That pursuant to Chapter 766.301- 766.316, Fla. Stat., a claim was [filed] on behalf of the above-styled infant against NICA on behalf of JORDAN KYLES, DENISE DESIR (the "Petitioners") for benefits under Chapter 766.301-766.316 Fla. Stat. That a timely filed Claim for benefits complying with the requirements of Section 766.305, Fla. Stat., was filed by the Petitioners and a timely Notice of Non- Compensability Setting forth that NICA denied the claim was filed on behalf of NICA. That the infant, JORDAN KYLES was born at Mercy Hospital on November 1, 1990, and Mercy Hospital was a licensed Florida Hospital and the attending physician, Dr. Luis G. Martinez, was a participating physician within the meaning of Chapter 766, Fla. Stat. The Division of Administrative Hearings has jurisdiction of the parties and the subject matter of this claim. Section 766.302(2), Fla. Stat. states that a "birth-related neurological injury" means injury to the brain or spinal cord of a live infant weighing at least 2500 grams at birth caused by oxygen deprivation or mechanical injury occurring in the course of labor, delivery, or resuscitation in the immediate post-delivery period in a hospital, which renders the infant permanently and substantially mentally and physically impaired. The parties agree that JORDAN KYLES suffers from a left brachial plexus palsy injury. A brachial plexus palsy injury is not an injury to the brain or spinal cord and further does not result in any mental injury. The parties stipulate to the authenticity of the medical records and/or medical reports of Michael Duchowny, M.D., including in particular his report dated September 2, 1993. A copy of this report has been attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit 1. The parties stipulate that there are no other pertinent medical facts to be considered by the Division of Administrative Hearings. The parties further stipulate that if the parties were to proceed to a hearing on the merits no further proof would be offered and traditional burdens of proof would apply. Based upon the stipulation, the parties request the hearing officer rule on Petitioners' claim based upon this Stipulation, and the attached medical record. The stipulation and neurological examination of Jordan reveal that he suffered a left brachial plexus palsy injury, and that a brachial plexus palsy injury is not a brain or spinal cord injury and further, does not result in mental injury. Moreover, Jordan's mental functioning is age appropriate and not impaired due to any birth related complications.
