From a Florida health system counter-suing its former CEO to prosecutors charging four physicians in a $146 million healthcare fraud scheme, here are the latest healthcare industry lawsuits and settlements making headlines.
1. Prosecutors charge 4 physicians in $146M healthcare fraud scheme
Brooklyn prosecutors charged 20 people, including four physicians, and 14 corporations in a $146 million healthcare fraud scheme.
2. Broward Health counter-sues former CEO: 5 things to know
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Broward Health's ex-CEO Pauline Grant sued her former employer in December 2016. The health system fired back in a counter-suit filed Dec. 1, alleging Ms. Grant violated the Anti-Kickback Statute.
3. Leapfrog: Chicago hospital's lawsuit is '11th hour gambit' to change safety grade
Saint Anthony Hospital in Chicago sued Leapfrog for defamation Oct. 30, alleging the hospital ratings agency knowingly used incorrect information to lower the hospital's letter grade for patient safety. In its response to the lawsuit filed this week, Leapfrog claims the hospital had months to review its safety grade and chose to do nothing until less than a week before the grades were to be published.
4. Montana files opioid lawsuit against Purdue Pharma
Montana Attorney General Tim Fox filed a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma, alleging the drugmaker engaged in a deceptive opioid marketing campaign, which contributed to rising rates of opioid overdoses in the state.
5. Former head of IT accused of stealing $800k from California health clinics
The former head of IT for North County Health Services, which offers healthcare services at clinics in San Diego County, is accused of stealing nearly $800,000 from the nonprofit organization over an eight-month period.
6. Dallas hospital will pay $7.5M to settle physician kickback allegations
Pine Creek Medical Center, a physician-owned hospital in Dallas, agreed to pay $7.5 million to resolve claims it violated the False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute.
7. Whistle-blower: California managed-care company improperly denied care to thousands
SynerMed, a Monterey Park, Calif.-based company that manages physician practices and administers managed-care contracts, improperly denied care to thousands of patients and falsified documents to hide the scheme, according to a confidential report sent to California health officials.
8. Patient claims St. Charles Health nurse illegally shared PHI, sues system for $500k
A former patient is suing Bend, Ore.-based St. Charles Health System for $500,000, claiming a nurse illegally accessed and shared his protected health information with a friend they both knew.
9. Opponents file lawsuit over Illinois law expanding abortion coverage
Opponents of an Illinois abortion coverage expansion law filed a lawsuit seeking to block state funding for the legislation.
10. West Virginia man alleges ex-wife accessed his medical records without permission
A West Virginia man filed a complaint against Charleston (W.Va.) Area Medical Center and Angela Varney, a former employee of the facility and his ex-wife, for allegedly accessing his medical records without permission.
11. Teladoc dismisses Texas lawsuit
Teladoc dismissed a longstanding lawsuit in Texas involving telemedicine rights and services in the state.
More articles on legal and regulatory issues:
Ex-DOJ attorney admits trying to sell secret whistle-blower lawsuits
69 Indiana hospitals accused of retaining $324M in fraudulent EHR incentive payments
Physician used fake identity to treat patients at Maryland hospital