From Humana settling allegations of pay discrimination to New York City physicians charged with taking kickbacks for fentanyl prescriptions, here are the latest healthcare industry lawsuits and settlements making headlines.
1. Humana reaches $2.5M settlement over alleged pay discrimination against 753 women
Humana agreed to pay $2.5 million in back wages and interest to resolve allegations of pay discrimination against female workers in consulting, project manager and manager roles.
2. 5 New York City physicians charged with taking kickbacks for fentanyl prescriptions
Five Manhattan physicians are charged with participating in a scheme to receive kickbacks and bribes from Insys Therapeutics in exchange for prescribing millions of dollars worth of a fentanyl-based spray manufactured by Insys.
3. Leapfrog: Chicago hospital's defamation lawsuit fails because safety grade was never published
Saint Anthony Hospital in Chicago sued Leapfrog for defamation in October 2017, alleging the hospital ratings agency knowingly used incorrect information to lower the hospital's letter grade for patient safety. In a motion filed March 14, Leapfrog argues there are several reasons the lawsuit should be dismissed.
4. Woman arrested for impersonating DaVita nurse
Marshall, Texas police arrested a woman March 14 who allegedly practiced nursing without a license at a Marshall-based DaVita Dialysis clinic.
5. Court dismisses suit alleging 'favoritism' in $237M BCBS Medicaid contract
The Michigan Court of Appeals panel tossed a lawsuit accusing the state of "blatant favoritism" in awarding Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan part of a $659 million contract to manage children's Medicaid dental benefits.
6. Former Pennsylvania Hospital cardiologist agrees to $127k settlement over stent fraud allegations
Vidya Banka, MD, a former Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Hospital cardiologist and director of the hospital's cardiac catheterization lab, entered into a nearly $127,000 settlement with the federal government to resolve allegations he improperly submitted Medicare claims for medically unnecessary cardiac procedures.
7. Tennessee AG butts heads with local DAs over opioid lawsuits: 5 things to know
Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery on March 16 filed a motion to intervene in three lawsuits brought by 14 local district attorneys general against major drug companies aimed at recouping local funds expended on the opioid crisis.
8. Massachusetts court rules consumers can sue brand-name drugmakers over generic drug injuries
Consumers in Massachusetts may now sue brand-name drugmakers for injuries caused by generic versions of their own drugs.
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