Court to decide if pilot can sue over disclosure

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court will decide whether a pilot who lost his license because he failed to disclose he was HIV-positive can sue the government. The high court recently agreed to hear an appeal from government officials, who want to stop Stanmore Cooper from suing the federal government for emotional distress for mishandling his medical records. Cooper disclosed his condition to Social Security officials to receive medical benefits but withheld his HIV status from the FAA. But the Social Security Administration then turned over his medical records to the Federal Aviation Administration, which revoked his license. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the exchange of records was improper and that Cooper can sue. The federal government wants that overturned. The case is FAA v. Cooper, 10-1024. Published: Thu, Jul 7, 2011