Legal News

Stories about physicians and other healthcare professionals involved in lawsuits—as either a plaintiff or a defendant—or accused of breaking the law. Various legal updates or unusual stories in the news may land here.

Texas announces childhood vaccine probe as RFK-backed group files RICO case against AAP
The Children’s Health Defense, a vaccine-skeptic lobby once chaired by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., filed a complaint in federal court against the American Academy of Pediatrics, alleging it engaged in systemic corruption. The same day, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said his state would be investigating the financial ties between vaccine developers, insurers and pediatricians.
‘No Kings’ in healthcare: leaders serve patients by following the clinical problem
California’s decision to restrict the use of the title “doctor” in clinical settings underscores a growing disconnect between healthcare policy and the realities of modern care delivery. In an op-ed, health policy professor and former Virginia legislator, Dawn M. Adams, DNP, and Marissa J. Levine, MD, a public health physician and former Virginia health commissioner, argue that rigid physician-centric hierarchies no longer reflect how patients actually receive care.
Vascular surgeon accused of double murder pleads not guilty
The 39-year-old vascular surgeon allegedly killed his ex-wife and her husband on Dec. 30. If convicted, he faces the possibility of life in prison without parole.
SimonMed Imaging must reform billing practices, pay fine after settling state AG’s lawsuit
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes had accused the Scottsdale-based radiology group of issuing delayed refunds after allegedly using questionable upfront billing practices.
Conspiracy to defraud Amtrak’s health plan of $11M sees 12 convictions
The U.S. Department of Justice announced four more guilty pleas on Thursday, bringing the total to 12. The scheme involved providers paying kickbacks to patients, all employees of Amtrak, in exchange for billing their insurance for unnecessary medical care. The incidents happened between 2019 and 2022.

Texas announces childhood vaccine probe as RFK-backed group files RICO case against AAP

The Children’s Health Defense, a vaccine-skeptic lobby once chaired by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., filed a complaint in federal court against the American Academy of Pediatrics, alleging it engaged in systemic corruption. The same day, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said his state would be investigating the financial ties between vaccine developers, insurers and pediatricians.

‘No Kings’ in healthcare: leaders serve patients by following the clinical problem

California’s decision to restrict the use of the title “doctor” in clinical settings underscores a growing disconnect between healthcare policy and the realities of modern care delivery. In an op-ed, health policy professor and former Virginia legislator, Dawn M. Adams, DNP, and Marissa J. Levine, MD, a public health physician and former Virginia health commissioner, argue that rigid physician-centric hierarchies no longer reflect how patients actually receive care.

Vascular surgeon accused of double murder pleads not guilty

The 39-year-old vascular surgeon allegedly killed his ex-wife and her husband on Dec. 30. If convicted, he faces the possibility of life in prison without parole.

healthcare surprise billing statement payment

SimonMed Imaging must reform billing practices, pay fine after settling state AG’s lawsuit

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes had accused the Scottsdale-based radiology group of issuing delayed refunds after allegedly using questionable upfront billing practices.

Amtrak eastbound Southwest Chief about to pass under Route 66

Conspiracy to defraud Amtrak’s health plan of $11M sees 12 convictions

The U.S. Department of Justice announced four more guilty pleas on Thursday, bringing the total to 12. The scheme involved providers paying kickbacks to patients, all employees of Amtrak, in exchange for billing their insurance for unnecessary medical care. The incidents happened between 2019 and 2022.

California health system sued over 2024 breach on health IT vendor TriZetto

The cyberattack was not discovered until October 2025, and a headcount of the victims is still being conducted. In the meantime, a patient of Sacramento-based One Community Health argues in a lawsuit that the nonprofit health system failed to secure his data, as required by law. The complaint is seeking class action status.

cybersecurity cyberattack hack hackers lock protection

Maine health system confirms data breach impacted 145K as civil litigation moves forward

The cyberattack on Central Maine Healthcare happened in summer 2025, but the investigation was complicated by the hackers having access to systems for several months. A class action lawsuit is pending in state court.

Kennedy vax suit revised & sharpened | Hospital discharges examined | Nursing units awarded | And more high-level briefs

The American Academy of Pediatrics and co-plaintiffs are tightening the screws in their lawsuit against HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other healthcare leaders in the Trump administration.