8th Circuit Reverses Ruling On COVID-Related Speech, Says Physician Has Standing

( September 17, 2026, 1:09 PM EDT) -- ST. LOUIS — Reversing a lower court’s dismissal of a physician’s suit alleging federal and state constitutional violations against the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and related officials regarding their investigations of complaints against him, which he alleged caused economic injuries and chilled his speech, the Eighth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals found that the physician has standing to seek damages and prospective relief, including his opposition to COVID-19 vaccine mandates and business closures....