Court Denied Cardinal Health Motion to Dismiss
A California federal judge ruled that an employment lawsuit involving mental health disclosure may proceed.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Mental Health

Live Poll
Should companies face stricter legal penalties for disclosing an employee's private mental health information to coworkers?
A federal district court in California has denied a motion to dismiss filed by Cardinal Health 200, LLC. The court found that the plaintiff sufficiently alleged claims of disability discrimination and the unauthorized disclosure of her medical information.
Why it matters
The ruling allows a lawsuit to move forward regarding the alleged failure of an employer to engage in an interactive process regarding disabilities. It also centers on legal protections for employees regarding the privacy of their mental health conditions.
The court's decision involves a case regarding allegations of disability discrimination under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and violations of the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act. The extent of damages or specific medical details remain subject to discovery.
The players
Cardinal Health 200, LLC
This is a corporate entity that is currently defending itself against allegations of disability discrimination and medical privacy violations.
Central District of California
This is the federal judicial district court where the legal action against the employer was filed and the recent motion to dismiss was ruled upon.
The details
The plaintiff, who suffers from depression and PTSD, alleged that Cardinal Health 200, LLC discharged her without participating in an interactive process. Additionally, she claims the company violated the law by disclosing her mental health status to her coworkers.
Timeline
October 2, 2026: The court denied the motion to dismiss.
The Big Picture
This legal action follows the established legal framework provided by the California Fair Employment and Housing Act regarding workplace disability rights. The case highlights the ongoing judicial application of state statutes meant to protect employee medical privacy and ensure an interactive process for disability accommodations.
This case underscores the legal protections available to employees who disclose mental health conditions such as depression and PTSD to their employers. It serves as a reminder for California workers that their private health information is shielded from unauthorized disclosure by workplace regulations.
The takeaway
The court's denial of the motion to dismiss ensures that the plaintiff will have the opportunity to present her claims of discrimination in an open forum. This development highlights the importance of employer adherence to state medical confidentiality laws and mandated interactive processes.
Further reading
For more information on state protections, visit Mental Health.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bloomberglaw.
Live Poll
Should companies face stricter legal penalties for disclosing an employee's private mental health information to coworkers?










