From two New Jersey-based health systems reaching a settlement in a yearslong dispute, to CommonSpirit Health being hit with a lawsuit over a ransomware attack, here are seven recent lawsuits and settlements involving hospitals Becker's has reported since Dec. 21:
1. CarePoint and Alaris reach settlement, ending lengthy legal clash
Bayonne, N.J.-based CarePoint Health and Jersey City-based Alaris Health have reached a settlement in a case that began in December 2019, when CarePoint filed a lawsuit alleging Alaris was interfering with its efforts to sell Bayonne Medical Center — and holding up the sale of Christ Hospital in Jersey City and Hoboken (N.J.) University Medical Center to West Orange, N.J.-based RWJBarnabas Health.
2. UMMS refused to perform gender-affirming surgery; federal court ruled discrimination
A federal court ruled that Baltimore-based University of Maryland Medical System violated the ACA by denying a transgender man a procedure it performs for other patients simply because he is transgender.
3. CommonSpirit Health sued over ransomware attack
Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health has been hit with a proposed class-action lawsuit over the recent ransomware attack on the system. The suit alleges the system failed to "implement and follow basic security procedures" and "follow its own policies" to safeguard patients' personally identifiable and protected health information, leaving them vulnerable to identity theft.
4. Indiana hospital ER shutters after appeals court ruling
Mishawaka, Ind.-based Franciscan Health said it has closed the emergency room in Hammond, Ind., as of Dec. 31. The decision follows a ruling from the Indiana Court of Appeals, which gave the OK for the closure.
5. New York health system loses eminent domain legal battle
The New York State Supreme Court's appellate division ruled against Utica-based Mohawk Valley Health System's request to use eminent domain to procure a parcel of land as part of the construction of a medical office building.
6. Atlanta children's hospital sued for religious discrimination over flu shot exemption
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, alleging the pediatric health system illegally fired a maintenance assistant for requesting a religious exemption to its flu vaccination policy.
7. 2 women sue Colorado hospital over alleged sexual assault while unconscious
Two women who police say were sexually assaulted by a nurse and filmed while unconscious in the intensive care unit are suing Grand Junction-based St. Mary's Medical Center, where the alleged incidents took place.