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.

State sues AI company after bot impersonates doctor
The digital entity gave at least one end-user a phony medical-license number. Unfortunately for the chatbot, that end-user was a state investigator.
Hospitals sue Anthem over policy prohibiting use of out-of-network radiologists
Anthem defended the policy in response to the lawsuit, contending patients shouldn’t have to worry about surprise medical bills when visiting in-network hospitals.
Maggot therapy? Wrongful termination lawsuit claims nursing home had a severe sanitation problem
Boca Raton Rehabilitation Center called claims made in the lawsuit by a former employee, Nuella Joseph, “unsubstantiated.” Joseph, a nurse, said the facility has a cleanliness problem that led to bug infestations in resident rooms.
DOJ unveils West Coast ‘Strike Force’ as new tactic used to tackle healthcare fraud
Federal authorities said the shift to regional “Strike Force” models has proven successful, with 6,200 defendants prosecuted nationwide. The DOJ said this latest unit will take a special interest in Northern California.
Radiologists among physician specialists facing higher risk of being sued, AMA says
About 38% of rads surveyed said they had defended against at least one lawsuit, with such specialists at a higher risk than others in internal medicine.

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.

North Carolina cardiologist arrested for sex crimes

The 61-year-old physician is currently in jail. He was previously in the news for allegedly implanting stents that were not medically necessary, agreeing to pay a hefty sum to settle.

ACLU sues North Carolina over illegal detention of mental health patients

A lawsuit filed in federal court claims the state is detaining mentally ill and disabled patients without due process or proper access to treatment.

Legal News

State sues AI company after bot impersonates doctor

Hospitals sue Anthem over policy prohibiting use of out-of-network radiologists

Maggot therapy? Wrongful termination lawsuit claims nursing home had a severe sanitation problem

DOJ unveils West Coast ‘Strike Force’ as new tactic used to tackle healthcare fraud

Radiologists among physician specialists facing higher risk of being sued, AMA says