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.

Cardiologist was fired for speaking out about racist texts, private jet misuse, lawsuit claims
An interventional cardiologist believes he was targeted and terminated for being outspoken about a series of incidents at his hospital.
Hospital sues cardiology practice for alleged breach of contract, ending years-long partnership
The cardiovascular care of thousands of Missouri patients is suddenly up in the air. The heart of the issue is a practice's alleged interest in opening up a new private equity-backed clinic.
Lawsuit against Elevance Health alleging use of ‘ghost networks’ officially moving forward
On Tuesday, a judge formally rejected a motion by the company to have the case dismissed. Carelon Behavioral Health, a subsidiary of Elevance, is accused of publishing an inaccurate directory of providers for those seeking mental health services.
Over 130 hospitals sue HHS over changes to the DSH payment calculation that could cost facilities billions
In total, 131 hospitals are acting as plaintiffs. They’re asking a court to throw out 2023 changes to the Disproportionate Share Hospital calculation that altered the way Medicare Advantage and Social Security income were factored into the risk-adjusted payments hospitals receive for caring for vulnerable patient populations.
Lawsuit dropped against squatter patient who refused to leave hospital room for 5 months
It’s unclear why Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare dropped its lawsuit, but it did so with prejudice, meaning the hospital cannot refile. There are many unanswered questions surrounding the unusual case, including how common incidents like this are and whether or not the hospital can technically bill for the time the room was occupied.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) sign.

HHS, RFK sued by medical associations over COVID policy shift

Multiple professional groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians, challenge recent policy changes to vaccine recommendations for COVID-19, which end routine inoculations for minors and pregnant women.

What’s in the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’—and what was left out?

Sweeping tax cuts and reduced spending on Medicaid and SNAP were signed into law by President Donald Trump. However, a key provision that would have paused new AI regulations was removed by the Senate.

‘Flesh-eating’ hoax on UnitedHealth leaves Las Vegas woman behind bars

Jennifer Forbes, 50, allegedly sent a cryptic, threatening letter to a UnitedHealthcare office along with an unknown substance. She has been charged with two counts of terrorism.

Massive spending bill passes final vote in Congress with Medicaid cuts intact

The 940-page document passed the House of Representatives in a 218 to 214 vote, and now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk. It contains a 20% cut to federal Medicaid funding, something Trump said he opposes.

Medical malpractice gavel diagnostic error mistake stethoscope

Wrongful death lawsuit filed after restrained hospital patient dies of cardiac arrest

The family of Gay Sherman Weintz, 55, said she died as a result of 24-hour physical restraint, combined with staff at Middlesex Hospital ignoring signs of a medical crisis. Her son, Chauncey Smith, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit.

money court scale of justice ruling legal settlement

Lab owner indicted in $290M COVID fraud scheme pleads not guilty

Mahmood Sami Khan, 36, has been charged on five counts of wire fraud and money laundering in connection with the conspiracy. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

State briefly bans university from issuing new radiologic technologist licenses, leaving hundreds ‘in limbo’

However, those fighting the decision declared victory Monday after filing a lawsuit against the New York Department of Health.

Jury finds PeaceHealth, ER doctor not liable for misdiagnosing patient’s stroke

After a three week trial, a jury found that PeaceHealth and Ralph Weiche, MD, acted in accordance with medical protocols in diagnosing Patricia Parker with a psychiatric condition, given her unusual symptoms.

Legal News

Cardiologist was fired for speaking out about racist texts, private jet misuse, lawsuit claims

Hospital sues cardiology practice for alleged breach of contract, ending years-long partnership

Lawsuit against Elevance Health alleging use of ‘ghost networks’ officially moving forward

Over 130 hospitals sue HHS over changes to the DSH payment calculation that could cost facilities billions

Lawsuit dropped against squatter patient who refused to leave hospital room for 5 months