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 dies in fire after arrest for child sex abuse materials
On Dec. 11, the Alaskan cardiologist was captured as part of a months-long investigation and charged with 10 counts of possessing child sexual abuse materials. The fire at his home occurred two days later.
California leads coalition of 20 states suing Trump over $100K H-1B visa policy
The plaintiffs argue that the administration has overstepped its authority and that only Congress can levy such hefty fees. As noted in the lawsuit, healthcare relies on skilled labor immigration to bring doctors, nurses and researchers into the country.
Two pediatricians sue nonprofit health system for wrongful termination after alleged patient safety incidents
Lauren Beene, MD, and Valerie Fouts-Fowler, MD, allege in a lawsuit that Ohio-based University Hospitals fired them for expressing concerns through a chat app. The health system accused the duo of misusing internal communications for personal gain.
Class action lawsuit claims imaging agent developer Telix Pharmaceuticals misled investors
Alleged transgressions took place between February and August, including the FDA rejecting Telix’s application for a new brain cancer imaging agent.
Connecticut hospital hit with $32M judgment after cow-based formula linked to infant’s death
Yale New Haven failed to notify parents about the use of the cow-based formula, which they expressly asked staff not to use. A judge found that the hospital failed to stock a human alternative, known to be safer for premature newborns.

California passes law to regulate private equity activity in healthcare

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law SB 351, which improves regulatory oversight of dental and physician clinics owned by investment firms.

Florida patient sues hospital, cardiology practice for alleged negligence after leg amputation

The patient alleges she experienced significant delays in care after being rushed to the hospital for acute limb ischemia. She also says no vascular surgeons were available, limiting her treatment options.

money cybersecurity ransomware health IT data breach hacker

Private radiology practice will pay $3.25M to settle class-action lawsuit over cyberattack

Greenville, North Carolina-based Eastern Radiologists is denying any wrongdoing, deciding to settle the matter to avoid protracted litigation.

Missouri state house capitol Jefferson City

Planned Parenthood sues to block Missouri’s request for abortion records

The Missouri attorney general has demanded details on patient care, communications between providers and pregnant women, maintenance records and more in an effort to identify state residents who have sought abortions.

Lisa Miller, JD, former deputy assistant attorney general U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Criminal Division, a former principal assistant deputy chief of the DOJ healthcare fraud unit, and now a partner in the legal firm Sidley Austin LLP, explains what the DOJ is looking for in Medicare fraud cases.

What the DOJ looks for to spot healthcare fraud

Former principal assistant deputy chief of the U.S. Department of Justice's Healthcare Fraud Unit, Lisa Miller, explains what the DOJ is looking for in healthcare fraud cases.

Pushback against Trump's $100K visa fee continues with new lawsuit

As a new lawsuit targets the unpopular policy, the American College of Cardiology and other medical societies worry that $100,000 fees will make the ongoing physician shortage much worse.

Cardiologist dies after choking on flight—family’s lawsuit points to alleged negligence

According to the lawsuit, the doctor followed a strict vegetarian diet and choked after he was served meat. The family also claims the airline delayed care by waiting too long to perform an emergency landing.

District attorney moves to dismiss case against doc accused of poisoning radiologist husband

A grand jury indicted Emily Yu in April 2023, with the California dermatologist potentially facing four felony counts and over eight years in prison.

Legal News

Cardiologist dies in fire after arrest for child sex abuse materials

California leads coalition of 20 states suing Trump over $100K H-1B visa policy

Two pediatricians sue nonprofit health system for wrongful termination after alleged patient safety incidents

Class action lawsuit claims imaging agent developer Telix Pharmaceuticals misled investors

Connecticut hospital hit with $32M judgment after cow-based formula linked to infant’s death