From a former hospital CFO sentenced to prison for lying about meaningful use to a hospital operator found in contempt for unexpectedly closing a North Carolina hospital, here are the latest healthcare industry lawsuits and settlements.
1. Former hospital CFO receives 23-month sentence for lying about meaningful use
Center, Texas-based Shelby Regional Medical Center's former CFO, Joe White, was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison for his role in a healthcare fraud scheme.
2. 46 medical professionals charged in connection with $712M in false billings
A nationwide sweep led by the Medicare Fraud Strike Force resulted in charges against 243 individuals, including 46 physicians, nurses and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in fraud schemes involving approximately $712 million in false billings.
3. Florida Governor refuses to drop lawsuit against feds over hospital funds
Florida Gov. Rick Scott withdrew his injunction against the Obama administration over federal healthcare money, but he doesn't have plans to drop his lawsuit against the federal government quite yet.
4. Vanguard Health Systems to pay $2.9M to resolve false claims, kickback allegations
Vanguard Health Systems, which was purchased by Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare in 2013, agreed to pay $2.9 million in civil damages to settle allegations it violated the Anti-Kickback Statute, the False Claims Act and Stark Law.
5. Nursing home to pay $17M to settle kickback allegations brought by former CFO
Miami-based Plaza Health Network, formerly Hebrew Homes Health Network, agreed to pay the federal government a record $17 million to settle allegations it violated the Anti-Kickback Statute.
6. D.C. hospital to pay $12.9M to settle false claims allegations
Washington, D.C.-based Children's National Medical Center and its affiliated entities agreed to pay $12.9 million to resolve allegations they violated the False Claims Act.
7. Ex-president of Texas hospital sentenced to 45 years in prison
Earnest Gibson III, the former president of Riverside General Hospital in Houston, was sentenced to 45 years in prison and ordered to pay nearly $46.8 million in restitution for his role in a $158 million Medicare fraud scheme.
8. Hospital operator in contempt for unexpectedly closing N.C. hospital, judge rules
A judge ruled that the privately owned company that unexpectedly closed Yadkin Valley Community Hospital in Yadkinville, N.C., was in civil contempt.
9. Former Mercy Springfield nurse claims she was fired for reporting patient safety concerns
A former nurse at Mercy Springfield (Mo.) sued the health system and is claiming she was fired for reporting a concern about inadequate staffing and infection control.
10. Ex-UPMC supervisor indicted in fraud case
A former supervisor in the claims department at Pittsburgh-based UPMC was indicted for healthcare fraud for allegedly submitting 156 false statements on the UPMC system.
More articles on health law:
6 former HHS officials weigh in on King v. Burwell contingency plans
15 latest False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law settlements
King vs. Burwell manifesto: 45 key points