A federal judge has dismissed a false claims lawsuit against Naples, Fla.-based Physicians Regional Healthcare System, ruling that the complaint lacked allegations that rose above a "speculative level," according to a Naples Daily News report.
U.S. District Judge John E. Steele dismissed the complaint, which was filed in 2010 by Michael Mastej, former CEO of a Physicians Regional hospital. He filed the complaint against Physicians Regional's operator, Naples-based HMA, alleging that Physicians Regional induced physicians with money and favors to refer patients to the system.
Judge Steele dismissed the complaint with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled. He ruled that the complaint lacked specific details of the time, place and substance of the fraudulent acts. The judge also said the complaint needed to prove the hospital presented a false claim to the government for reimbursement while knowing the claim was false, according to the report.
Mr. Mastej previously served as CEO of Physicians Regional-Collier Boulevard in Naples for eight months before being terminated in October 2007. A reason for his termination was not provided in the report.
Lawsuit: Hudson Hospital Holdco Built Community Opposition to Prime Healthcare in N.J.
Michigan Hospital Settles Nurse's Racial Discrimination Complaint
U.S. District Judge John E. Steele dismissed the complaint, which was filed in 2010 by Michael Mastej, former CEO of a Physicians Regional hospital. He filed the complaint against Physicians Regional's operator, Naples-based HMA, alleging that Physicians Regional induced physicians with money and favors to refer patients to the system.
Judge Steele dismissed the complaint with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled. He ruled that the complaint lacked specific details of the time, place and substance of the fraudulent acts. The judge also said the complaint needed to prove the hospital presented a false claim to the government for reimbursement while knowing the claim was false, according to the report.
Mr. Mastej previously served as CEO of Physicians Regional-Collier Boulevard in Naples for eight months before being terminated in October 2007. A reason for his termination was not provided in the report.
More Articles on Hospital Lawsuits:
Psychiatrist Files $8M Suit Against Tanner Medical Center in GeorgiaLawsuit: Hudson Hospital Holdco Built Community Opposition to Prime Healthcare in N.J.
Michigan Hospital Settles Nurse's Racial Discrimination Complaint