Legal News

Stories about physicians and other healthcare professionals involved in lawsuits—as either a plaintiff or a defendantor accused of breaking the law. Various legal updates or unusual stories in the news may land here.

nurses and AI

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. 

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Radiation oncologist loses whistleblower suit accusing former employer of filing fraudulent claims

Robert C. O’Laughlin, MD, and attorneys first took Radiation Therapy Services and its physicians to court in late 2016, citing qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. 

Data-blocking antitrust lawsuit against Epic can move forward, judge rules

Epic’s attempt to have a lawsuit filed by startup Particle Health dismissed was unsuccessful. However, a U.S. district court judge narrowed the claims and rejected accusations that Epic engaged in defamation.

Internet of Things risky devices IP camera

Patient care director arrested for allegedly filming nurses with hidden cameras

Robert Shrader, 41, was charged with seven counts of felony invasive visual recording after hidden cameras were found in the ceiling at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center in Texas. He also faces a civil lawsuit filed by an alleged victim.

Woke DEI

HHS restoring deleted health information following legal challenge

A trove of content and data studies was purged from federal websites in an effort to eliminate “diversity, equity and inclusion.” That sweep also removed facts on maternal health, opioid addiction and more, leading to multiple lawsuits. One has now been settled.

DOJ accuses nonprofit nursing homes of providing ‘grossly substandard’ care

Four nursing homes operated by ProMedica Health System are alleged to have failed to adequately feed patients, treat wounds and keep patients clean. The DOJ said the facilities falsified records to cover their tracks.

Missouri state house capitol Jefferson City

Nurse practitioner, nonprofit challenge Missouri’s collaborative practice law

Marcy Markes, NP, has secured representation from the Pacific Legal Foundation in an effort to overturn a state law that requires nurse practitioners to pay a physician “collaborator” if they wish to run their own practice. The lawsuit argues the regulation exists only to stifle competition.

CVS Health announces $10.6B acquisition of Oak Street Health

Massachusetts settles $12M lawsuit against CVS over alleged drug overpricing

The pharmacy chain also agreed to perform an annual audit of billed drug prices to ensure it does not run afoul of the state’s “Most Favored Nation” policy.