Habersham County will not pay injured toddler's hospital bills
Posted 1:49PM on Tuesday, August 19, 2014
HABERSHAM COUNTY - The Habersham County Board of Commissioners says it has determined that it would be illegal for it pay the hospital bills of Bounkham Phonesavahn, a toddler injured by a flash grenade during a drug raid in Cornelia in May.<br />
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Initially, Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell told Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Grady Hospital to send him the child's medical bills, indicating the county would pick up the tab.<br />
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After consulting with legal counsel, the Board determined that it would not be legal for them to do so.<br />
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The Board officially announced the decision at its July 21 meeting. <br />
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County Manager Phillip Sutton will notify the hospitals.<br />
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In a statement, the Board said it "continues to express its concern for the welfare of young Bounkahm and its sincere hope for his full and speedy recovery."