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.

Florida cardiologist arrested for allegedly kissing patient without consent
“He has taken my freedom, my joy,” the alleged victim said. “I’m scared to go out now. I’m scared to go to my doctor’s appointments now."
Radiology practice will pay $2.9M to settle allegations it falsified PPP loan documents
Fairfax Radiological Consultants, located in the D.C. metro area, had employed over 500 individuals as of 2019, but by April 2020, its roster was down to fewer than 100, the DOJ note.
Report: Elon Musk stepping down from DOGE in ‘coming weeks’
The world's richest man is expected to return to his duties in the private sector. However, a source told Politico he will likely continue to have an informal role in the administration.
DOJ seeking death penalty in murder case against Luigi Magione
Federal authorities made the announcement on Tuesday. Mangione is still awaiting trial in New York on accusations he murdered UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, Brian Thompson.
California ballot measure named after Luigi Mangione lands on AG’s desk
The proposed “Luigi Mangione Access to Health Care Act,” named after the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, would make it illegal for insurance companies to deny necessary care to patients. The lawyer who proposed the measure said the controversial name was chosen to garner public attention.

Asante Medical facing $488M in lawsuits after fentanyl diversion linked to 16 deaths

The nurse responsible has been charged with 44 counts of second-degree assault. Her criminal trial begins Dec. 30.

Trump selects Emmy-winning TV personality Dr. Oz to head CMS

President-elect Donald Trump announced the nomination of former "Dr. Oz Show" star Mehmet Oz just days after appointing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of health.

Healthcare hacker sentenced to 10 years in prison

Robert Purbeck, 45, of Georgia was found with data on more than 132,000 individuals taken from various breaches, including multiple providers, a police station and a city government.

Public health contrarian RFK Jr. nominated to HHS secretary

President-elect Donald Trump said he will let Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “go wild for a little while” if his appointment is confirmed by the Senate.

Medtronic sued by doctor for alleged patent infringement

Shirin Towfigh, MD, and her consultancy firm, Hexagon Health, claim Medtronic is selling patented surgical mesh with a novel fin-shaped design.

UnitedHealth defends $3.3B Amedisys acquisition

UnitedHealth subsidiary Optum is turning to the court of public opinion to defend the merger.

doctor in handcuffs after being arrested

Cardiologist receives 35 months in prison for health insurance fraud

Fazal Panezai, MD, faced up to 10 years in prison for coordinating a years-long fraud scheme from 2017 to 2022. His New Jersey medical license has already been permanently revoked.

33-year-old radiologist father of 4 dies while hiking

James MacDonald, MD, with Oregon Health & Science University, went missing Nov. 6 in the Mount Hood National Forest.

Legal News

Florida cardiologist arrested for allegedly kissing patient without consent

Radiology practice will pay $2.9M to settle allegations it falsified PPP loan documents

Report: Elon Musk stepping down from DOGE in ‘coming weeks’

DOJ seeking death penalty in murder case against Luigi Magione

California ballot measure named after Luigi Mangione lands on AG’s desk