Hui v. Castaneda (2009)
- Docket
- 08-1529
- Decided
- 2009-01-01
Summary
Question: Is the FTCA the exclusive remedy for claims arising from medical care and related functions provided by PHS personnel, thus, barring Bivens actions? Conclusion: Yes. The Supreme Court held that the immunity provided by the FTCA precludes Bivens actions against individual PHS officers or employees for harms arising out of constitutional violations committed while acting within the scope of their offices or employment. Justice Sonia Sotamayor, writing for a unanimous Court, reasoned that 42 U.S.C. § 233(a) plainly and clearly provides that the FTCA is the "exclusive" avenue for claims like those at issue in this case.