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.

UnitedHealth sued by shareholders over concealing fallout of Thompson's murder
In a lawsuit, plaintiffs allege the company changed course from a long-standing policy of denying medical claims, hiding from investors its impact on profits. The insurer denies any wrongdoing and vowed to defend itself in court.
Florida hospitals sue nonprofit over ‘pay-to-play’ safety rankings
Five Tenet Healthcare hospitals are suing the Leapfrog Group, accusing the organization of pressuring hospitals to share internal data in exchange for higher scores in its annual safety rankings. The watchdog outright denies the claim.
Jury reaches ‘record’ $60M verdict in case over botched interventional procedure
The case dates to 2019, when 64-year-old David Gangaram visited a Long Island outpatient clinic for an image-guided lumbar epidural steroid injection.
Rite Aid seeking buyout as it files for bankruptcy—again
For the second time in less than two years, the struggling retail pharmacy chain has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, seeking buyers as it prepares for store closures.
Michigan sues PBMs, alleging unlawful collusion created ‘pharmacy deserts'
State Attorney General Dana Nessel is suing Express Scripts and Prime Therapeutics, accusing the two PBMs of manipulating rebate pricing, "crippling small, independent pharmacies and restricting access to lifesaving medications in the process."

Telehealth execs face 20 years for $100M Adderall prescription fraud

The CEO and the medical director of telehealth platform Done have both been arrested for allegedly running a virtual pill mill.

Coalition seeks to simplify prior authorizations and improve Medicare Advantage coverage

More than 380 organizations have expressed support for the bipartisan Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act, which unanimously passed a House vote in 2022.

FDA announces recall of Medline endotracheal tubes after three injuries

The Medline Sub-G endotracheal tubes with subglottic suction are defective and known to tear, potentially leading to serious injury or death.

Brazen marital healthcare scheme ends with guilty pleas

A former Alabama doctor and her wife faced a slew of charges related to healthcare billing fraud, misuse of PPE loan funds and illegal distribution of opiates.

CityMD agrees to $12M settlement over alleged COVID claims fraud

The company cooperated with a DoJ investigation into COVID-19 tests being erroneously billed to the federal government.

healthcare money economics dollar stethoscope acquire merger

California bill: Private equity firms must seek AG approval for healthcare buyouts

California Assembly bill AB-3129 requires private equity investors to send an application to the state attorney general 90 days before they purchase a hospital or provider group.

FDA panel recommends new COVID-19 booster

Booster uptake rates remain low. To date, only 22.5% of Americans received an annual COVID-19 shot from 2023.

Q&A: Healthcare cybersecurity advocate fears damage from Change Healthcare breach has only begun

Richard Staynings says the breach of Change Healthcare’s systems stems from consolidation, and the impact may devastate independent providers.

Legal News

UnitedHealth sued by shareholders over concealing fallout of Thompson's murder

Florida hospitals sue nonprofit over ‘pay-to-play’ safety rankings

Jury reaches ‘record’ $60M verdict in case over botched interventional procedure

Rite Aid seeking buyout as it files for bankruptcy—again

Michigan sues PBMs, alleging unlawful collusion created ‘pharmacy deserts'