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 sues hospital after he was allegedly let go for sharing safety concerns
The veteran interventional cardiologist claims he was pushed out after repeatedly asking for more coverage from cardiothoracic surgeons in addition to other improvements. The hospital, meanwhile, described the lawsuit as a “collection of false allegations."
Alphabet-owned Verily accused by whistleblower of misusing data from 25K patients
A former executive at Verily is suing the company, alleging he was fired after reporting the incidents to management. The misuses of data, if true, would constitute HIPAA violations.
Nonprofit health system agrees to $18M settlement over use of ad trackers
Adena Health System was accused in a class-action lawsuit of deploying Meta Pixel tracking tools on its patient portal. As many as 89,000 patients could have had protected health information shared with advertisers.
Lantheus misled investors about blockbuster imaging agent, class action lawsuit claims
Plaintiff attorneys claim the Massachusetts-based company shattered the competitive position of Pylarify, a PET imaging agent for prostate cancer.
Florida man arrested on suspicion of being a fake nurse
Joseph Thomas Kinney, 55, was arrested this week for allegedly using fake credentials to obtain work as a registered nurse. His arrest is part of what appears to be a growing national trend.

Lawsuit over theft of UnitedHealth’s trade secrets settled out of court

UnitedHealth alleged its proprietary technology was used to create Lore Health, a generative AI chatbot. The case was dismissed after arbitration.

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.

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.

Legal News

Cardiologist sues hospital after he was allegedly let go for sharing safety concerns

Alphabet-owned Verily accused by whistleblower of misusing data from 25K patients

Nonprofit health system agrees to $18M settlement over use of ad trackers

Lantheus misled investors about blockbuster imaging agent, class action lawsuit claims

Florida man arrested on suspicion of being a fake nurse