Category: Legal & Regulatory Issues

UC Regents reaches $15M settlement over medication error: 5 things to know

The Regents of the University of California, the governing board that oversees the University of California system, has reached a $15 million settlement in a lawsuit alleging medical battery and negligence that was brought forth by a patient’s family a…

2 healthcare staffing agencies to pay $2.4M in back wages

Healthcare staffing companies in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania will pay 341 employees more than $2.4 million in back wages and liquidated damages, according to a recently filed consent judgment and order. 

Healthcare billing fraud: 10 recent cases

Here are 10 healthcare billing fraud cases that Becker’s has reported since Nov. 15: 

Supreme Court to consider gender-affirming care

For the first time, the Supreme Court will hear arguments about whether states can ban gender-affirming care for youths. 

CMS updates immediate jeopardy guidance: 4 key changes

In late November, CMS  revised guidance for surveyors and healthcare providers regarding immediate jeopardy, the most serious type of warning for noncompliance deficiencies that place organizations at risk of losing federal funding. 

4th drugmaker seeks 340B changes

As several pharmaceutical companies challenge their role in the 340B drug pricing program, Bristol Myers Squibb filed a lawsuit Nov. 26 against the HHS agency that oversees the federal program. 

Former employee sues Lurie Children's for alleged retaliation: 5 notes

A former pharmacy technician at Chicago-based Lurie Children’s Hospital has filed a lawsuit accusing the hospital of firing her in retaliation for reporting unsafe medication compounding practices, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Nov. 26. 

Maryland attorney convicted in $25M hospital extortion plot

A Maryland medical malpractice attorney known for his aggressive tactics faces up to 20 years in prison after a federal jury convicted him of attempting to extort $25 million from the University of Maryland Medical System in Baltimore.

Seattle Children's racial discrimination lawsuit trial begins: 7 things to know

A civil trial has commenced to determine whether Seattle Children’s racially discriminated against the former medical director of one of its clinics, The Seattle Times reported Nov. 26.

Physician's TikTok over Texas' patient citizenship law spurs warning from governor

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has suggested hospitals may risk losing CMS funding if they fail to comply with an executive order requiring hospitals to inquire about patients’ citizenship status.