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.

High-level briefing: Regional merger scrapped | Provider chain denied | Holiday inspiration appreciated | more
The biggest investor in a nursing home chain can run but not hide from comeuppance for the chain’s alleged role in harms—including deaths—done to hundreds of patients.
Judge rejects radiologist’s attempt to revive lawsuit alleging age bias led to her termination
The case dates to July 2019, when breast specialist Claire Hanley, MD, first filed suit against New York City Health and Hospitals Corp.
‘President of common sense’: Trump reschedules marijuana, improving patient access
By signing an executive order, President Donald Trump has shifted marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance, opening the door for medical and research uses nationwide.
House GOP slaps down ACA subsidies as ‘Lower Health Care Premiums Act’ moves to Senate
A Hail Mary attempt by a bipartisan group to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits failed. The new bill contains some reforms, including new reporting requirements for PBMs and support for associated health plans. It now faces the Senate.
Morgue manager at Harvard Medical School gets 8 years for selling the deceased
Cedric Lodge, 58, pleaded guilty in May for his role in procuring human organs and tissue for sale on an interstate black market. His wife, Denise Lodge, was sentenced to one year for collaborating. The couple sold organs out of their home in New Hampshire, prosecutors said.

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RateMDs sued by doctor who claims the site violates privacy laws

The lawsuit contends RateMDs has a conflict of interest and sells ads to medical professionals reviewed by users of the site.

Six hospital groups urge UnitedHealth to take responsibility for Change Healthcare hack notifications

In a public letter, the groups are urging UnitedHealth Group to announce a timeline for notifying patients about what personal data was stolen in the breach of Change Healthcare's systems.

Ohio doctor gets 7 years in prison for violating Controlled Substances Act

The Department of Justice said Thomas Romando, MD, illegally prescribed over 137,000 pills to nine patients over a five-year period.

UPMC settles $38M whistleblower lawsuit for Medicare fraud

Surgeons at the health system were accused of performing unnecessary procedures and receiving bonuses as kickbacks. UPMC does not admit wrongdoing.

Cardiologist charged with 9 more sex crimes as police search his home and private practice

The alleged sex crimes involve a young child. According to a judge, the 61-year-old cardiologist could face life in prison if convicted.

Former NBA player sentenced to 40 months in prison for role in $5M healthcare fraud conspiracy

Glen “Big Baby” Davis was convicted in November of healthcare fraud and related wire fraud charges.

Former nurse sentenced to life for murdering patients with insulin injections

Heather Pressdee, 41, pleaded guilty to the charges, which included three counts of first-degree murder and 19 counts of attempt to commit murder.

Steward Health Care files for bankruptcy, citing rising labor costs and reduced reimbursement

The health system employs 40,000 people and cares for more than 12 million patients in eight states.

Legal News

High-level briefing: Regional merger scrapped | Provider chain denied | Holiday inspiration appreciated | more

Judge rejects radiologist’s attempt to revive lawsuit alleging age bias led to her termination

‘President of common sense’: Trump reschedules marijuana, improving patient access

House GOP slaps down ACA subsidies as ‘Lower Health Care Premiums Act’ moves to Senate

Morgue manager at Harvard Medical School gets 8 years for selling the deceased