1. Class-action suit against Merck puts common drugmaker defense to Supreme Court test
The U.S. Supreme Court will consider a case that examines a legal strategy drugmakers use to defend themselves against patient lawsuits.
2. Michigan pharmacist charged in $1.2M prescription scheme
Authorities charged a pharmacist in Dearborn, Mich., with billing Medicare and Medicaid for more prescriptions than were present in his inventory.
3. Nurses allege Legacy Health denied breaks, pay for overtime
Nurses of Legacy Health in Portland, Ore., filed a class-action lawsuit Dec. 26 alleging the system failed to properly compensate them and denied uninterrupted meal and rest breaks.
4. Patient sues New Jersey clinic over sterilization breach, rusty equipment
The New Jersey Department of Health discovered numerous infection control lapses, including the use of rusty equipment, at a surgery center where more than 3,700 patients were potentially exposed to HIV and hepatitis. A former patient filed a class-action complaint against the surgery center Dec. 28.
5. Judge blocks Trump administration policy cutting drug payments to hospitals
A federal judge blocked a Trump administration rule that reduces payments to hospitals under the 340B drug discount program, ruling Dec. 28 that the government overstepped its authority in its effort to address high prescription medication costs.
More articles on legal and regulatory issues:
Ambulance company pays $300K to resolve false billing probe
West Virginia hospital, CEO hit with federal kickback suit
Owner of medical equipment company sentenced to 3 years for billing fraud
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
