The defamation trial of Dr. William Husel commenced this week in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, reigniting debates over his controversial tenure at Mount Carmel Health System. Previously acquitted in 2022 of 14 counts of murder related to alleged overprescription of fentanyl to terminally ill patients, Husel now seeks to clear his name through a civil lawsuit against Mount Carmel and its parent company, Trinity Health.
Represented by attorney Jose Baez, Husel contends that the health system’s public statements during the criminal investigation were defamatory, causing irreparable harm to his reputation. Baez emphasized that Husel’s actions were in line with accepted medical practices for end-of-life care, stating, “In the medical community, there is no maximum dose, because they leave it up to the discretion of the doctor at end-of-life care” .
Conversely, Mount Carmel’s defense argued that Husel’s prescribing practices significantly exceeded hospital guidelines, with doses sometimes five times higher than recommended. They maintained that their public disclosures were truthful and necessary, asserting, “Our statements accurately and truthfully reported on the findings of our investigation” .
The trial is expected to delve into complex medical and ethical considerations surrounding palliative care, with both sides presenting evidence to support their narratives. As proceedings continue, the jury’s interpretation of these arguments will be pivotal in determining whether Husel was unjustly maligned or if the hospital’s actions were warranted.
