Jurisdiction over legislative subpoenas questioned

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The Guam Supreme Court will hear arguments on Wednesday on whether the Superior Court has jurisdiction over legislative subpoenas. The question was raised as the Guam Memorial Hospital pursues its opposition to subpoenas that were issued by the Legislative Health Committee.

Back in April, committee 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 response was limited, as GMH maintains that turning over all the requested information would violated privacy rights.

GMH in turn tried to have the subpoena quashed, but the Superior Court determined it didn't have jurisdiction. The hospital has now asked the appellate court to determine if that's the case.

Arguments will be presented at ten o'clock on Wednesday morning.