X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

OPINION AND ORDER Plaintiff Ronald Broden brings this action against defendant Boris Rubinstein, M.D., M.P.H., plaintiff’s former psychiatrist, alleging defendant improperly disclosed confidential information about plaintiff’s treatment to plaintiff’s parents. Now pending is defendant’s motion to dismiss the amended complaint pursuant to Rule 12(b)(6). (Doc. #20). For the foregoing reasons, the motion is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART. The Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §1332. BACKGROUND For the purpose of ruling on the motion, the Court accepts as true all well-pleaded factual allegations in the amended complaint and draws all reasonable inferences in plaintiff’s favor, as summarized below. In 1999, plaintiff began receiving psychiatric treatment from defendant, a family friend, after plaintiff began experiencing feelings of depression. However, during the relationship, plaintiff alleges defendant socialized with plaintiff’s father at monthly dinners during which defendant discussed plaintiff’s treatment without plaintiff’s consent. At first, defendant provided therapy and medical treatment to plaintiff for a reduced fee, but after about four months, he provided his services for free. As early as 2002, plaintiff alleges he was no longer benefitting from defendant’s therapy services and vocalized that concern to defendant. Nevertheless, plaintiff contends he did not want to offend defendant and defendant failed to refer plaintiff to another provider, so plaintiff continued to see defendant for therapy. The parties’ relationship soured in 2018 when defendant allegedly delayed refilling plaintiff’s Klonopin prescription and cut therapy sessions short. Because of this, beginning in April 2019, plaintiff contends he wrote strongly worded emails to defendant expressing his “disdain…concerning DEFENDANT’S lack of care for PLAINTIFF as a therapist and doctor over the years.” (Doc. #3 (“Am. Compl.”) 24). In May 2019, plaintiff claims defendant called him to apologize for “fail[ing]” plaintiff and invited plaintiff and plaintiff’s parents to participate in one final therapy session. (Am. Compl. 25). Plaintiff’s father attended this session on May 22, 2019, during which plaintiff contends defendant cursed at plaintiff and terminated plaintiff as his patient. Soon thereafter, plaintiff posted negative online reviews about defendant and sent a series of “scathing” emails to defendant. (Am. Compl.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
September 05, 2024
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More
April 25, 2024
Dubai

Law firms & in-house legal departments with a presence in the middle east celebrate outstanding achievement within the profession.


Learn More
April 29, 2024 - May 01, 2024
Aurora, CO

The premier educational and networking event for employee benefits brokers and agents.


Learn More

A large and well-established Tampa company is seeking a contracts administrator to support the company's in-house attorney and manage a wide...


Apply Now ›

We are seeking an attorney to join our commercial finance practice in either our Stamford, Hartford or New Haven offices. Candidates should ...


Apply Now ›

We are seeking an attorney to join our corporate and transactional practice. Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of general corporat...


Apply Now ›
04/15/2024
Connecticut Law Tribune

MELICK & PORTER, LLP PROMOTES CONNECTICUT PARTNERS HOLLY ROGERS, STEVEN BANKS, and ALEXANDER AHRENS


View Announcement ›
04/11/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
04/08/2024
Daily Report

Daily Report 1/2 Page Professional Announcement 60 Days


View Announcement ›