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.

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.
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.

Radiologist loses appeal in case claiming former practice wrongfully terminated him in violation of FMLA

Jason M. Browning, MD, worked for Bay Radiology Associates in Florida for a decade, but problems emerged at the group after Hurricane Michael in 2018.

DaVita to pay $34M to settle kickback allegations

The U.S. Department of Justice claimed the dialysis chain was sending kickbacks and favors to physicians in exchange for patient referrals.

House lawmakers want to relax ban on physician-owned hospitals

The bipartisan Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act would amend the Social Security Act to allow physicians to open new hospitals in hard-to-reach communities.

Senators introduce bill to bolster healthcare cybersecurity

The Healthcare Cybersecurity Act would improve cooperation between HHS and CISA to ideally speed up the response to cyberattacks.

DOJ investigating Steward Health Care over ties to foreign government

Citing two sources familiar with the matter, journalists at CBS News said the health system is suspected of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. No charges have been filed.

Frank Pollaro, a 55-year-old cardiologist from Long Island, New York, has admitted in court to possessing child pornography. Pollaro was already a registered sex offender after being convicted for the same crime in 2016.

New York cardiologist, already a sex offender, admits to possessing child pornography

The 55-year-old cardiologist was allowed to continue practicing cardiology after his first conviction in 2016. Now, he is losing his license and faces up to eight years in prison.

Former Georgia insurance commissioner sentenced to prison for $3M fraud scheme

John Oxendine has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to file claims for bogus lab tests.

Cardiologist’s sexual assault trial, set to begin after 4-month delay, will not be televised

The trial of Stephen Matthews, the Denver cardiologist accused of drugging 11 women and sexually assaulting nine of them, is expected to start July 12 after a lengthy delay. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Legal News

HHS, RFK sued by medical associations over COVID policy shift

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

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

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

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