SCOTLAND COUNTY, Mo. — UPDATE: Dr. Tobler spoke to the Edina Sentinel after the hearing and expressed his reaction to the decision.

“I appreciate Judge Roberts’ thoughtful, careful, and thorough decision,” he said. “This provides vindication for me and accountability for the hospital’s illegal, knowing and willful violation of the Sunshine Act. This is not only a victory for me, but it is also important for the people of Scotland County and the entire hospital service area. They They deserve it.” A leader who can be trusted to meet the basic health needs of the community. I liked the cloud of suspicion that arose from the allegations made during the illegal meeting, with which I and my family had to live for over two years. –that cloud has finally lifted.”

***ORIGINAL STORY***

The decision was made on Friday in the case we have been following for more than two years.

In August 2022, Randall “Randy” Tobler, MD, was removed as CEO of Scotland County Hospital (SCH) in Memphis, Mo.

In March 2023, Dr. Tobler filed a petition with the Scottish Circuit Court alleging the hospital had repeatedly breached the Sunshine Act in a conspiracy to remove him from his position.

Representatives of both parties He was taken to court in September For a hearing this year where both sides offered testimony.

Tobler’s attorney, Lowell Pearson, argued that the hospital board violated the Sunshine Act in a series of meetings held on Aug. 15, 16 and 18, 2022.

On Friday, Judge Rick Roberts found that the defendant at Scotland County Memorial Hospital District “failed to notify all elected board members in a timely manner of meetings dated August 15, 16, 2022, failed to give notice on August 15, 2022, and failed to provide notice to the public on October 15, 2022, as determined by the Defendant’s Bylaws.” “The exception to the notification requirements is to gather at the designated meeting place and because these meetings were not notified to the public 24 hours in advance and a protocol was not established.”

For the violations, Roberts imposed a fine of $5,000.

Roberts also found that “all votes, records, decisions made, or actions taken at the meetings of August 15, 16, 2022 were invalid and there was no evidence in Plantiff’s defense insofar as it sought attorneys’ fees.” “No request for attorney fees was made at the hearing held on September 23, 2024.”

The judge gave Tobler 15 days to file a motion seeking attorneys’ fees and costs.