From 32 hospitals agreeing to settle False Claims Act allegations to a pharmacy owner being sentenced to prison for his role in a $21 million Medicare fraud scheme, here are the latest healthcare industry lawsuits and settlements making headlines.
1. 32 hospitals to pay $28M to settle false claims allegations related to kyphoplasty
Thirty-two hospitals — including hospitals from systems such as Phoenix-based Banner Health, Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare and Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems — agreed to pay the federal government more than $28 million to settle False Claims Act allegations.
2. 2 Louisiana physicians sentenced for roles in $50M Medicare fraud scheme
Two physicians and a registered nurse were sentenced for their roles in a $50 million Medicare fraud scheme, which federal prosecutors said involved multiple companies over the course of more than 10 years.
3. Pharmacy owner makes $21M Medicare fraud scheme a family affair
Daniel Suarez, a 24-year-old pharmacy owner in Miami, and members of his family scammed Medicare for $21 million, and Mr. Suarez was recently sentenced to 9 years in prison for his involvement in the scheme.
4. Indiana physician who allegedly traded prescriptions for sex pleads guilty
A physician in Pendleton, Ind., admitted he provided controlled substances to patients when not medically necessary and recorded sexual activity with two patients without their consent or knowledge.
5. Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO arrested on fraud charges
Martin Shkreli, the 32-year-old CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals, was taken into custody by the FBI on charges of securities and wire fraud for allegedly illegally taking stock from Retrophin, a biotechnology firm he started in 2011.
6. Planned Parenthood sues Ohio attorney general: 3 things to know
Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit in federal court claiming Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine made false allegations against the group in an attempt to ban abortion.
7. Labs to pay $8.5M in false billing settlement
Pharmasan Labs and NeuroScience, both based in Osceola, Wis., agreed to pay $8.5 million to the federal government to resolve False Claims Act allegations.
More articles on health law:
FTC official: 'The goals of the ACA and antitrust are in harmony'
6 striking statistics on False Claims Act enforcement in healthcare
HCA to pay $434M for failure to fund promised hospital improvements