From a health system claiming Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente tried to monopolize markets with emergency department underpayments to a national insurer facing a class-action lawsuit after inadvertently revealing thousands of customers' HIV status, here are the latest healthcare industry lawsuits and settlements making headlines.
1. Appeals court sides with Geisinger, reverses $1M damage award to nursing student who refused to take drug test
A federal appeals court decision issued Wednesday relieved Danville, Pa.-based Geisinger Medical Center and two hospital officials of any legal or monetary obligation to a former student who filed a lawsuit after being fired from the hospital's training program for refusing to take a drug test.
2. NorthBay Healthcare alleges Kaiser tried to monopolize markets with ED underpayments
Fairfield, Calif.-based NorthBay Healthcare sued Kaiser Permanente over emergency care payment it says it's owed.
3. Aetna faces class-action lawsuit after exposing customers' HIV status
Legal groups Monday filed a class-action lawsuit against Aetna, alleging the health insurer violated customers' privacy by inadvertently revealing the HIV status of about 12,000 people.