From four Texas hospitals settling false claims allegations to the former HHS secretary testifying in a bribery case, here are the latest healthcare industry lawsuits and settlements making headlines.
1. 4 Houston-area hospitals will pay $8.6M to settle kickback allegations
Four Houston-area hospitals will pay settlements totaling $8.6 million to resolve allegations they received kickbacks from ambulance companies in exchange for Medicare and Medicaid transport referrals.
2. Cleveland Clinic demands Toby Cosgrove be removed from ballot initiative ads
Lawyers for Cleveland Clinic sent a cease-and-desist letter on Tuesday to proponents of a state ballot initiative, demanding the group immediately stop sending mailers that include a photograph and quote from Cleveland Clinic CEO Toby Cosgrove, MD.
3. New York state medical practice to pay $1.9M fine over improper billing
Syracuse-based New York Spine and Wellness Center agreed to pay $1.9 million to settle claims it improperly billed patients and insurers for moderate sedation services.
4. Ex-health chief testifies in senator bribery case
The testimony of Kathleen Sebelius, former HHS Secretary, given Tuesday in a corruption trial for Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., suggested the senator lobbied Ms. Sebelius on behalf of a physician friend who allegedly defrauded Medicare.
5. 1st Texas county files opioid lawsuit against drugmakers, distributors
Attorneys representing Upshur County, Texas, filed a lawsuit Sept. 29 against more than a dozen drugmakers and drug distributors for their alleged role in the state's opioid epidemic.
6. ACLU sues FDA over access to abortion pill: 3 things to know
The American Civil Liberties Union on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration over agency restrictions that limit access to the abortion pill Mifeprex.
7. Washington state, Seattle file opioid lawsuits against drugmakers
The attorneys general for Seattle and Washington state filed separate lawsuits against drugmakers Sept. 28 for the companies' alleged roles in facilitating the opioid epidemic.
More articles on legal and regulatory issues:
South Carolina health system to pay $7M to settle false billing case
Federal lawsuit: Texas medical practice owners tried to make staff 'more godly'
Whistle-blower: Former Broward CEO concealed major losses tied to 25-year cancer care contract