Category: Legal & Regulatory Issues

Oregon hospital nurse's drug diversion led to patient death, lawsuit alleges

The estate of a man who died at Medford, Ore.-based Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in February 2022 has filed an $11.5 million lawsuit against the health system and a former nurse, claiming the nurse’s drug diversion led to a fatal infection.&nbs…

California hospital chiefs overpaid their own firms $23M, complaint alleges

The union that accused Bakersfield, Calif.-based Kern County Hospital Authority of overpaying its executives through their own private consulting firms has escalated its concerns to an official complaint. 

South Dakota floats video to clarify abortion ban for clinicians 

South Dakota lawmakers are proposing a bill that would require the creation of an educational video to clarify when abortion is legal in the state, KFF Health News reported Feb. 27.

Biden administration responds to Alabama's IVF ruling

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called the Alabama Supreme Court’s recent ruling that frozen embryos are considered children “shameful” during a Feb. 26 press briefing. It was the first time the White House responded to the decision that…

Anesthesiology group must cut ties with 5 hospitals: Colorado AG

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has announced an agreement with U.S. Anesthesia Partners that resolves the private equity-backed company’s alleged anticompetitive business practices that drove up prices for consumers receiving surgical anesthesia…

Florida healthcare package awaits last step with governor

Florida lawmakers are nearing full passage of “Live Healthy,” a package of healthcare bils debuted late last year designed to expand the healthcare workforce, address emergency room crowding, and create a loan program for healthcare innovators. 

In 1 day, 3 prisoners launch escapes from hospital campuses

Three prisoners attempted to escape police custody after being treated at hospitals across the country — all within the same 24 hours. 

For-profit health system CFOs cautiously optimistic on 2-midnight rule

The CFOs of two of the largest for-profit hospital systems said it is too early to see the effect of CMS’ two-midnight rule, but they expressed optimism on their most recent earnings calls. 

1 injured in police-involved shooting on Miami hospital campus

Miami police confirmed an officer-involved shooting on the campus of 1,500-bed Jackson Memorial Hospital Feb. 23 that left one man injured.

Identity mix-up at PeaceHealth hospital leads to wrong family's end-of-life decisions

In a case of mistaken identity, an employee of PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center asked the wrong family to make end-of-life decisions for a patient on life support at the Vancouver, Wash.-based facility in 2021, NBC affiliate KGW reported Feb. 21.