A federal judge, finding that Pennsylvania law would create a "worryingly" broad privilege and that federal law is controlling in this instance, has granted plaintiffs' motion to compel records related to alleged abuse at behavioral health facility the Devereux Foundation.

In a Feb. 9 opinion, U.S. District Judge Anita Brody of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania granted the plaintiffs' motion to the extent that Devereux may not withhold records based on the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law or Mental Health Procedures Act.