7 latest healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements

1. Sampling, extrapolation to prove FCA liability approved by district court
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee ruled it is permissible for the government to extrapolate from a random sample to establish the elements of False Claims Act liability.

2. SCOTUS blocks parts of Texas abortion law
The U.S. Supreme Court stopped Texas from putting certain abortion-clinic restrictions into place that would have significantly reduced the number of clinics operating in the state.

3. CareMed Pharmaceutical Services settles False Claims Act case for $10M
Lake Success, N.Y.-based CareMed Pharmaceutical Services agreed to pay $10 million to resolve allegations it submitted false claims for automatic refills of drugs that were not actually received by patients and their physicians.

4. Alere data breach class suit dismissed
A federal judge in California dismissed a class-action lawsuit brought against Alere Home Monitoring following a data breach.

5. PhRMA challenges 340B drug discounts again
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America filed a second lawsuit challenging HHS’ implementation of the 340B drug discount program.

6. Clinical Lab Partners settles False Claims Act case
Newington, Conn.-based Clinical Lab Partners agreed to pay $145,789.34 to settle allegations the company submitted false claims to Medicare.

7. Pennsylvania threatens to sue Highmark over Medicare Advantage plan
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department, Attorney General and Department of Health sent a letter to Highmark pledging to take legal action against the health insurer over its new zero premium Medicare Advantage plan.