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.

Medical malpractice lawsuits are rare in sports cardiology—but they can cost providers millions
When doctors are accused of mishandling the heart health of a young athlete, it occasionally ends up being settled in a courtroom.
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.

Senators introduce bill to criminalize private equity ‘looting’ in healthcare

Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren are co-sponsoring legislation that would put executives in jail if their business practices result in the death of a patient.

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.

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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.

Legal News

Medical malpractice lawsuits are rare in sports cardiology—but they can cost providers millions

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