A former employee has filed a lawsuit against a prominent healthcare organization, alleging multiple violations of employment law. Heather Boulting, the plaintiff, lodged her complaint on March 7, 2025, in the Superior Court of California for the County of Santa Clara against Stanford Health Care. The case brings to light serious allegations concerning workplace discrimination and wrongful termination.
Heather Boulting's legal action outlines several grievances against Stanford Health Care. She began her employment with them on June 8, 2020, as an inpatient Thoracic Surgery Nurse Practitioner. Her role involved managing perioperative care for surgical patients and working in outpatient settings. On July 20, 2020, Boulting suffered a sports injury that required surgeries and imposed physical restrictions. Despite informing her employer about these limitations, she claims they failed to accommodate her needs adequately. This alleged negligence led to further health complications requiring additional medical leave from January to April 2023.
Boulting's situation worsened when she was diagnosed with cancer on July 5, 2023. Her chemotherapy treatment began on August 4, necessitating another leave of absence. During this period, she experienced inconsistent communication from human resources regarding her employment status and benefits. She alleges that upon returning to work discussions in August 2023, she was informed that her position might be terminated and was not allowed to return to her original team despite available positions within the organization.
The complaint details further challenges faced by Boulting related to insurance coverage lapses and delays in credentialing processes necessary for reinstatement at work. By February 8, 2024, she received notice of job release during her recovery from surgery—a letter she did not receive until later due to health-related absences.
Boulting accuses Stanford Health Care of violating the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) by engaging in discriminatory practices based on disability and medical condition. The lawsuit asserts that the healthcare provider failed to engage in a good faith interactive process or provide reasonable accommodations for her disabilities as mandated by law. Additionally, it alleges retaliation against Boulting for requesting such accommodations.
The plaintiff seeks various forms of relief from the court including general damages for emotional distress and financial losses incurred due to loss of salary and benefits; special damages; attorneys' fees; prejudgment interest; statutory penalties; costs associated with the suit; punitive damages intended as deterrence against future misconduct by employers.
Representing Heather Boulting are attorneys Jared W. Beilke and Maureen Macaraeg-Dayrit from JML Law Corporation based in Woodland Hills, California. The case is presided over under Case No.: 25CV460560 at the Superior Court of California for Santa Clara County.