Florida judge grants prosecutors access to Tiger Woods’ medical records
A Florida judge has granted prosecutors permission to review Tiger Woods’ medical records following his vehicle crash and subsequent arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence in March.
Judge Darren Steele approved an agreement allowing the state to request documents from the Cleveland Clinic Martin South Hospital, where the 15-time major champion was treated.
The case is currently being tried in Martin County circuit court, situated just north of Palm Beach County.
Prescription history access granted
This latest ruling follows a similar agreement approved in May regarding the legendary golfer’s pharmacy history.
Prosecutors can now access all prescription medication records from a Palm Beach pharmacy dating from the start of the year through to the end of March.
A protective order has been placed on both the hospital and prescription records at the request of defence attorney Doug Duncan.
This strict limitation ensures the sensitive documents are only released to prosecutors, law enforcement officers, state experts, and the defence team.
Details of the March crash
The American golf icon has formally pleaded not guilty to the charge of driving under the influence.
According to a sheriff’s office report, deputies discovered two pain pills in his pocket after his speeding SUV clipped a truck’s trailer and rolled onto its side.
The incident occurred on a residential road on Jupiter Island, where the former world number one was travelling well above the 30mph speed limit.
While a breathalyser test showed no traces of alcohol in his system, authorities noted he displayed signs of impairment and subsequently refused a urine test.
Return to the public eye
Court records indicate the prominent athlete recently travelled outside of the United States to seek care at an inpatient treatment facility.
He made his first public appearance since the arrest at the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship in Connecticut last week.
During the event, the former Masters champion introduced chief executive Brian Rolapp to announce changes to the tour’s future competitive model.