Scantlebury escaped the hospital after the attack and was later arrested while running down Southern Boulevard.

LeeLamma Lal, 67, is a nurse who has served at Palms West Hospital for over 21 years. Her family has hired a law firm to consider legal action.

WPTV asked Palms West for a copy of its policies on handling Baker Act patients, after a patient is alleged to have attacked a nurse.

Stephen Scantlebury appeared in court Tuesday, facing charges of attempted second-degree murder for the beating of 67-year-old nurse Leela Lal at Palms West Hospital. Scantlebury, who did not speak during the hearing,

The attorneys for a man accused in the brutal attack of a Palm Beach County nurse said their client is a "hardworking, loving husband" who is affected by mental illness.