From the city of Baltimore suing opioid manufacturers and distributors to a physician facing prison time for charges related to his role in a 2012 meningitis outbreak, here are the latest healthcare industry lawsuits and settlements making headlines.
1. Baltimore sues opioid manufacturers, distributors
The city of Baltimore filed a lawsuit against drug manufacturers and distributors, as well as a local clinic, in an effort to curb the opioid epidemic.
2. Surgeon claims she was fired from Spectrum Health Medical Group after 'sham peer review'
An orthopedic surgeon filed suit against Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Spectrum Health Medical Group, alleging the organization's new chief conducted a "sham peer review" of her work while she was on leave for breast cancer treatment.
3. Outcome Health co-founders step down from CEO, president roles under settlement with investors
Outcome Health entered into a deal with its investors to settle allegations the company engaged in fraud and breach of contract.
4. Judge: Physician's hiring collusion lawsuit will extend to roughly 5,600 medical school professors at Duke, UNC
A U.S. District Court judge ruled Feb. 1 a former Durham, N.C.-based Duke University School of Medicine physician's lawsuit claiming Duke engaged in hiring collusion with a neighboring university will become a class-action lawsuit covering more than 5,600 professors between the two institutions.
5. Colorado county 1st in state to file opioid lawsuit against drug companies
Attorneys on behalf of Huerfano County filed a lawsuit against drugmakers and distributors for allegedly contributing to the county's opioid crisis, marking the first such lawsuit filed by a local government in Colorado.
6. Pharmacist involved in 2012 meningitis outbreak sentenced to 8 years in prison
A Massachusetts pharmacist was sentenced to eight years in prison for racketeering and fraud charges related to his role in a 2012 meningitis outbreak that killed 76 people.
7. Montana nurses sue state over law mandating physicians perform abortions
Two Montana nurses filed a lawsuit — with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union — to overturn a law that prevents nurses from performing abortions in the state.
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