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.

DOJ sues New York over alleged ‘fraud scheme’ linked to home healthcare
The U.S. Department of Justice accuses the state of failing to hold a contractor accountable, despite the company allegedly failing to meet its obligation to bring savings to a Medicaid program that aids disabled patients. The state said the private management company saved taxpayers $1 billion in a single year since taking over the program.
OIG warns of ‘ghost network’ trouble in maternal health managed care
Looking at the three largest Medicaid managed care plans related to maternal health, the Office of Inspector General found instances of ineligible providers being included in directories, as well as other errors such as incorrect contact information.
Major grocery operator on the hook for $40M over pharmacy monkey business; $6M windfall for whistleblower
One of the largest food retailers in the world—and the fourth biggest in this country—got itself into hot water with the U.S. Department of Justice for allegedly cheating on drug prices it charges to federal healthcare programs.
Legal battle between two rival doctors results in dancefloor-biting during church fundraiser
Tamin Naber, MD, was charged with simple assault for biting a former employee at his medical practice who was suing him for wrongful termination. The incident occurred in November 2025.
OhioHealth agrees to void contracts that allegedly punished payers for including competitors in-network
The U.S. Department of Justice said the settlement will save citizens of the state money and open up the market to competition.

DOJ investigating Steward Health Care over ties to foreign government

Citing two sources familiar with the matter, journalists at CBS News said the health system is suspected of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. No charges have been filed.

Frank Pollaro, a 55-year-old cardiologist from Long Island, New York, has admitted in court to possessing child pornography. Pollaro was already a registered sex offender after being convicted for the same crime in 2016.

New York cardiologist, already a sex offender, admits to possessing child pornography

The 55-year-old cardiologist was allowed to continue practicing cardiology after his first conviction in 2016. Now, he is losing his license and faces up to eight years in prison.

Former Georgia insurance commissioner sentenced to prison for $3M fraud scheme

John Oxendine has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to file claims for bogus lab tests.

Cardiologist’s sexual assault trial, set to begin after 4-month delay, will not be televised

The trial of Stephen Matthews, the Denver cardiologist accused of drugging 11 women and sexually assaulting nine of them, is expected to start July 12 after a lengthy delay. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

State attorneys general send warnings of Change Healthcare breach, urge residents to respond

Several state attorneys general have issued notices to residents regarding the Change Healthcare breach, asking them to sign up for credit monitoring and identity theft protection.

noncompete contract clause employment pen sign

Federal judge issues partial halt to FTC ban on noncompetes

A full court hearing to determine the fate of the FTC ban on noncompete clauses will be scheduled before Aug 31. For now, a judge has issued a preliminary injunction.

Change Healthcare notifies patients their medical records may have been taken in breach

A HIPAA notification posted to the company’s website said details about patients’ diagnoses and treatments may have been stolen by hackers.

Baylor, others paying $15M over DOJ allegations they ‘gambled’ with heart patient health

According to a whistleblower, multiple Texas healthcare providers put complex heart surgeries in the hands of unqualified trainees without proper supervision. The $15M being recovered is the largest amount ever for a case of this kind.

Legal News

DOJ sues New York over alleged ‘fraud scheme’ linked to home healthcare

OIG warns of ‘ghost network’ trouble in maternal health managed care

Major grocery operator on the hook for $40M over pharmacy monkey business; $6M windfall for whistleblower

Legal battle between two rival doctors results in dancefloor-biting during church fundraiser

OhioHealth agrees to void contracts that allegedly punished payers for including competitors in-network