Article 99

Peter Morgan, a young doctor, begins his new job at the Washington, D.C. veterans' hospital. He quickly notices the chaos and disorganization within the hospital, which is suffering from government cutbacks. Morgan plans to work there temporarily before starting a private practice.

On his first day, Morgan witnesses a violent outburst when veteran 'Shooter' Polaski receives an Article 99 form denying him treatment. Polaski reacts violently, driving his M16 through the hospital entrance and initiating a shooting rampage. The staff, led by Dr. Richard Sturgess, manages to disarm him.

After the incident, Dr. Sturgess befriends Morgan and introduces him to the defiant staff who oppose the hospital’s budget cuts. Sturgess conducts midnight raids for supplies and recruits Morgan to join their resistance, although Morgan declines fearing professional repercussions.

Morgan develops a close bond with World War II veteran Sam Abrams, who is considered a 'gomer' and cannot be admitted despite critical health issues. Abrams’ constant movement within the hospital highlights the administration’s neglect and inefficiency, fueling Morgan’s growing discontent.

Morgan overhears a conversation revealing that a shipment of vital cardiac surgery tools is stored in the pathology department. He informs Sturgess, who orchestrates a midnight raid to seize the equipment, but it turns out to be a trap set by hospital management.

Dreyfoos films the hospital staff during the theft and uses this footage to blackmail Sturgess into taking a voluntary suspension and declaring guilt. The incident results in Morgan feeling personally betrayed, especially after the death of Abrams, which he attributes to perceived inaction.

Infuriated by Dreyfoos’ manipulation, Morgan publicly opposes the hospital's administrative policies. He gets suspended after his open defiance, choosing instead to join Sturgess and other veterans in plotting a takeover of the hospital to ensure proper care for patients.

Morgan, Sturgess, and veterans including Luther Jerome successfully lock out security and barricade themselves inside the hospital. With the hospital under federal jurisdiction, police arrive but are unable to remove the protesters, leading to a tense standoff.

The FBI and Inspector General arrive to negotiate, with the staff unfurling a large banner saying 'No Surrender'. Despite warnings and a threat to force entry, the veterans refuse to give up until the hospital is reopened for patient care.

The protesters, led by Sturgess and Luther, convince the FBI and authorities to reopen the hospital peacefully. The Inspector General suspends Dreyfoos from management, acknowledging the issues faced, and Morgan decides to stay permanently at the hospital, committed to its cause.

Soon after the victory, Dreyfoos' replacement maintains the previous policies of budget cuts and staff restrictions. Morgan and Sturgess resolve to continue resisting the administration’s approach, determined to improve patient care regardless of institutional pressures.