From the Connecticut Hospital Association filing a lawsuit against Prospect Medical Holdings to the Cleveland Clinic settling False Claims Act allegations, here are 10 lawsuits, settlements and legal developments Becker’s has reported since May 6:
Category: Legal & Regulatory Issues
Judge orders Memorial Hermann surgeon to retain texts, emails
A Texas judge has granted a temporary injunction against a transplant surgeon at Houston-based Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center accused of altering patient records, potentially preventing some patients from getting lifesaving care, the Houston Chr…
CMS aims to expedite EMTALA probes
CMS will now allow patients to directly file Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act complaints with the federal government.
Alabama law protects physicians who prescribe meds for off-label use
Alabama passed a law that prohibits the state’s board of medical examiners and medical licensure commission from taking adverse action against physicians who prescribe or recommend off-label medical treatments, the Alabama Reflector reported May 20.
Cleveland Clinic will pay $7.6M to resolve false claims case
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation has agreed to pay the U.S. $7.6 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act, the Justice Department announced May 17.
Massachusetts hospital to pay $24M in whistleblower case
Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, Mass., will pay $24.3 million to settle claims that it knowingly billed Medicare for cardiac procedures that didn’t follow Medicare rules.
Kootenai Health antitrust investigation concludes
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador has completed his investigation into potential breaches of Idaho’s antitrust regulations involving Coeur d’Alene, Idaho-based Kootenai Health and Grangeville, Idaho-based Syringa Hospital and Clinics.
DOJ moves to ease marijuana restrictions
The Justice Department on May 16 issued a proposed rule to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III controlled substance, emphasizing its currently accepted medical uses.
Louisiana bill restricting physician noncompetes heads to governor's desk
Louisiana lawmakers have unanimously approved a bill restricting physician noncompete agreements. The legislation heads to Gov. Jeff Landry’s desk to be vetoed or signed into law, nola.com reported May 15.
Connecticut Hospital Association lawsuit alleges Prospect Medical owes $1.75M in dues, fees
The Connecticut Hospital Association filed a lawsuit against Prospect Medical Holdings May 14, claiming the 16-hospital system owes $1.75 million in unpaid membership dues and service fees, according to the Hartford Business Journal.
