Legal News

Stories about physicians and other healthcare professionals involved in lawsuits—as either a plaintiff or a defendantor accused of breaking the law. Various legal updates or unusual stories in the news may land here.

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Hospital sued for $900K after man’s face ignites during surgery

John Michael Murdoch, then 51, was allegedly swabbed with alcohol prior to surgery when a spark from an instrument ignited his skin. His wife is suing Oregon Health & Science University on his behalf. 

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Man held on $1M bond for allegedly threatening healthcare company

Authorities claim Stevie Adams, 35, of Las Vegas said he would shoot up the headquarters of Molina Healthcare, following a dispute. He has been charged for making terroristic threats. 

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UnitedHealth, Amedisys ask federal judge to dismiss DOJ lawsuit blocking $3.3B merger

The companies argue that the U.S. Department of Justice has failed to adequately demonstrate how, and in which regions of the country, the merger would harm competition. They are asking a federal court to throw out the case.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey

Healthcare private equity reporting act signed into law by Mass. governor

The new law will require private equity firms to make disclosures related to organizational structure and finances if they intend to operate a medical facility or provider organization in the state. 

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Dental chain involved in ransomware coverup fined $350K

A regional chain of clinics that lied through its teeth about a data breach has agreed to pay a $350,000 settlement to resolve multiple allegations it violated HIPAA. 

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$3.3B merger of UnitedHealth and Amedisys delayed by DOJ lawsuit

The new deadline for the deal to be finalized is Dec. 31, 2025. However, the ultimate fate of UnitedHealth's acquisition of Amedisys will be decided in a federal court. 

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Hospital and police department feud over baggie of drugs in patient’s rectum

Mercy Health-Lorain Hospital is suing the county after police revoked protection services for the Catholic facility, which refused to remove the baggie, citing safety concerns. 

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey

Bill to regulate healthcare private equity lands on desk of Mass. governor

Gov. Maura Healey has until Jan. 9 to pass the act into law or use her veto powers. The bill passed the state Senate on Dec. 30. 

Around the web

A string of executive orders from the White House created serious concerns among radiologists and other healthcare providers throughout the United States. The American College of Radiology issued a statement to help guide its members through the chaos. 

Bridgefield Capital, founded in 2015, has previously invested in such popular brands as Cirque Du Soleil, Del Monte and Quiksilver. This transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025. 

Given the precarious excitement of the moment—or is it exciting precarity?—policymakers and healthcare leaders must set directives guiding not only what to do with AI but also when to do it.