From a federal judge seeking quick resolution of more than 200 opioids lawsuits to a physician imposter sentenced to prison, here are the latest healthcare industry lawsuits making headlines.
1. Federal judge calls for quick resolution to 200+ opioids lawsuits
A federal judge is overseeing the consolidation of more than 200 opioid lawsuits filed by counties, states and hospitals, among other entities, against drugmakers and distributors. The judge on Jan. 9 called for attorneys representing both sides to achieve a swift resolution that beneficially targets the opioid crisis.
2. Hospital groups to appeal lawsuit dismissal that permits $1.6B in Medicare payment cuts
The American Hospital Association, Association of American Medical Colleges and America's Essential Hospitals formally notified the court Jan. 9 of their intent to appeal a federal judge's dismissal of the groups' lawsuit that sought to halt a $1.6 billion reduction to Medicare payments made under the 340B Drug Pricing Program.
3. 1 of 12 fired Missouri hospital employees files lawsuit for wrongful termination
Dwayne Doran, former director of safety and security at Mercy Hospital Springfield (Mo.), one of 12 employees fired in August 2017 amid a federal investigation into a patient care lapse, is suing the hospital for wrongful termination.
4. Pennsylvania judge overturns $27.8M Xarelto decision against J&J, Bayer
A judge in Pennsylvania overturned a $27.8 million jury award against Johnson & Johnson and Bayer AG over claims their blood thinner Xarelto caused internal bleeding.
5. Repeat physician imposter heads to prison: 7 things to know
Malachi Love-Robinson first posed as a physician three years ago when he was 17 years old. After pleading guilty Jan. 4 to practicing medicine without a license, practicing naturopathy without a license and grand theft, the now-20-year-old is headed to prison for 3.5 years.
6. Man faces assault charges after punching Texas hospital security officer
A man in Bryan, Texas, is facing assault charges after he punched a security guard at College Station (Texas) Medical Center.
7. Centene sued for failing to provide adequate access to physicians: 5 things to know
An unidentified number of plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against Centene in federal court Jan. 11, claiming the health insurer failed to provide patients with adequate access to in-network physicians in approximately 15 states.
8. Florida physician charged with sexually assaulting woman during colonoscopy: 5 things to know
A Florida-based gastroenterologist was arrested Jan. 5 and charged with a felony count of sexual battery for allegedly sexually assaulting an unconscious female patient during a colonoscopy at HealthPark Medical Center in Fort Myers.
More articles on legal and regulatory issues:
California regulators demand 9 health plans terminate contracts with medical group
Federal lawsuit: Duke, UNC agreed not to hire each other's physicians
Criminal probe targets Kaiser hospital following patient's death