by Nick Delgado

Guam - Does the Superior Court have jurisdiction over legislative subpoenas? The question is being posed to the Guam Supreme Court as the Guam Memorial Hospital is fighting subpoenas issued by the Legislative Health Committee.

Back in April the committee's chairman, Senator Dennis Rodriguez Jr., subpoenaed the hospital for various documents relating to any settlement agreements between the hospital and physicians whose privileges were suspended or revoked. The hospital turned over some documents but said turning over all the requested information would violate privacy rights.

GMH in turn went to the courts to try and quash the subpoena, but Superior Court Pro-Tem Judge Elizabeth Barrett Anderson found that the court doesn't have jurisdiction and such matters are within the purview of the Legislature. The hospital has now asked the appellate court to determine if that's the case.

A hearing was held this afternoon to allow the parties to object to any members of the panel who will hear arguments at a later time.