City of Joplin's alleged homeless dumping lawsuit against NRMC transferred to Nevada
The City of Joplin filed the suit, claiming the hospital transported two non-resident, discharged patients to Joplin under false pretenses.
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A judge has transferred the City of Joplin's lawsuit against Nevada Regional Medical Center (NRMC) from Jasper County to Vernon County.
The City of Joplin filed a lawsuit against NRMC, claiming the hospital transported two non-resident, discharged patients to Joplin under false pretenses regarding housing and medical care in July and September 2025.
Joplin argues that leaving these patients stranded burdened local police, taxpayers, and city resources, creating a public nuisance.
NRMC has denied wrongdoing, argued it has sovereign immunity, and sought a dismissal of the case.
Jasper County Judge Dean Dankelson granted NRMC's motion to move the lawsuit. Because NRMC is a municipal corporation owned by the city of Nevada, the case must be heard in Vernon County where the hospital is situated.
Ahead of the transfer, Joplin filed an amended petition to add detail about the patients and address potential sovereign immunity defenses by noting the hospital carries liability insurance.
The motion to dismiss the lawsuit remains pending and will be reviewed once a new judge is assigned in Vernon County.
