Category: Legal & Regulatory Issues

Ex-healthcare CEO pleads guilty in fraud scheme

The former CEO of a Melbourne, Fla.-based healthcare network charged in a “pump-and-dump” scheme pleaded guilty May 24 to conspiracy to commit securities fraud, according to the Justice Department. 

New York AG sues over hospital retirees’ pensions

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit alleging the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany evaded its fiduciary and legal responsibilities to former hospital employees by mishandling the hospital’s pension.

Advocate Aurora used market power to suppress competition, lawsuit alleges

A proposed class-action lawsuit accuses Advocate Aurora Health of engaging in anticompetitive practices that have raised healthcare costs for Wisconsin employers. 

University of California to pay $374.4M to settle abuse claims against former gynecologist

The University of California will pay $374.4 million to resolve claims by 312 women who alleged they were sexually abused when treated by a former longtime UCLA gynecologist, according to a UCLA statement shared with Becker’s on May 24. 

Hospitals: Retirement plan lawsuits could have ‘significant detrimental’ effect

The American Hospital Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Association of American Medical Colleges filed a friend-of-the-court brief urging the dismissal of a lawsuit alleging that Boston-based Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center viola…

California ups cap on medical malpractice awards, 1st change to law in 47 years

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill May 23 that will raise the cap on the amount patients can receive in pain and suffering payments as part of medical malpractice cases, marking the first change to the limitation since the legislation was enact…

Walgreens sues Meritus over health system’s new pharmacy

Walgreens filed a lawsuit against Hagerstown, Md.-based Meritus Medical Center May 13, alleging the hospital’s new pharmacy violates a contract with the retail pharmacy chain.

Healthcare billing fraud: 9 recent cases

From the founders of three Texas medical labs pleading guilty to a $300 million scheme, to the sentencing of a Florida pharmacy owner for his role in a $174 million scheme, here are nine recent healthcare billing fraud cases:

Pennsylvania county sues Crozer, Prospect for closures

Delaware County of Pennsylvania filed a preliminary injunction with the county’s Court of Common Pleas to sue Crozer Health and its parent company, Los Angeles-based Prospect Medical Holdings, for its plan to close several mental health services, accor…

Kentucky physician charged with murder-for-hire

Stephanie Russell, MD, was arrested May 19 on a charge of using interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire, according to the Justice Department.