Florida Surgeon, Device Company Owner Arrested For Paying Bribes, Kickbacks
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On September 7, 2021, federal prosecutors announced the arrest of a Florida surgeon and owner of device company SpineFrontier Inc on charges of bribing surgeons to use products by paying sham consulting fees. Accused in an indictment in […]
NY Court Says Doctor Can Subpoena Yelp for User Info in Defamation Suit
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On October 7, 2021, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled that Yelp is subject to a subpoena to reveal the names of anonymous users who left negative reviews for a doctor […]
DOJ Withdraws Outdated Antitrust Policy Statements For Healthcare Industry; “Safety Zones” Abolished
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On February 3, 2023, the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) withdrew three “outdated” antitrust policy statements applicable to healthcare markets. These have been in effect and relied upon for decades by those in the […]
NY Court Rules Doctor Can Subpoena Yelp for User Info in Defamation Suit
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On October 7, 2021, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled that Yelp is subject to a subpoena to reveal the names of anonymous users who left negative reviews for a doctor […]
Phony Florida Nursing Diploma Scam: Federal Criminal Indictments in “Operation Nightingale”
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law In January 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the prosecution of a massive fake nursing diploma scheme against three Florida-based nursing schools. The investigation has now expanded to include at least eight (8) nursing schools. The […]
25 Charged in Massive Fake Nursing Diploma Scheme in Florida
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On January 25, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) launched a multi-state coordinated law enforcement action to apprehend individuals engaged in a scheme to sell false and fraudulent nursing degree […]
Court Rules New York Doctor Can Subpoena Yelp for User Info in Defamation Suit
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On October 7, 2021, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled that Yelp is subject to a subpoena to reveal the names of anonymous users who left negative reviews for a doctor […]
18 Former NBA Players Indicted For Alleged $4 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On October 7, 2021, 18 former NBA players were charged in New York federal court for an alleged health insurance fraud scheme to rip off the league’s benefit plan, according to an indictment filed in the Southern District […]
9th Circuit Court Rules Former Nurse Can Proceed With Med Mal Suit Against VA Hospital
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On September 29, 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that a former federal employee can sue the United States under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). The suit alleges medical negligence that occurred during psychiatric […]
Florida Gov Signs Sweeping COVID-19 Liability Protections Into Law
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On March 29, 2021, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that protects businesses, governments, and healthcare providers in Florida from COVID-19 lawsuits if they make a reasonable effort to follow guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus […]
Massage Therapists-You MUST Obtain License Complaint Defense Coverage Insurance
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law I am often called on to represent massage therapists accused of sexually molesting a client during the course of the massage or for offering sex to an undercover agent. Most often, this type of case comes to us […]
Feds Charge 25 Individuals in Massive Fake Nursing Diploma Scheme in Florida
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On January 25, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) launched a multi-state coordinated law enforcement action to apprehend individuals engaged in a scheme to sell false and fraudulent nursing degree […]
University of Colorado Sued For Denying COVID-19 Vaccine Religious Exemptions
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On September 29, 2021, a pediatrician and medical student sued the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU) for denying COVID vaccine religious exemptions. The U.S. District Court lawsuit argued that school administrators judge the validity of personal […]
Florida Man Agrees to Plead Guilty in $110 Million Telemedicine Medicare Fraud Scheme
By: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On February 16, 2024, a Parkland, Florida, man agreed to plead guilty to organizing a Medicare fraud scheme worth $110 million. The federal prosecution is taking place in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The […]
California Dental Practice Pays $23,000 Settlement For Potential HIPAA Privacy Violations Involving Yelp Posts
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On December 14, 2022, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) settled with New Vision Dental (NVD) over a potential HIPAA Privacy violation. The California-based dental practice paid $23,000 to OCR and […]
Florida Pharmacy Sues Claiming HHS Wrongly Terminated it from Federal PrEP Program
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On March 25, 2024, a pharmacy in Celebration, Florida, alleged HHS abruptly terminated it from a federal program that provides free access to preexposure prophylaxis HIV-prevention (PrEP) medication. Turner Brothers Inc., which does business as Turner Drugs, filed […]
9th Circuit Says Former Federal Nurse Can Proceed With Medical Malpractice Suit Against VA Hospital
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On September 29, 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that a former federal employee can sue the United States under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). The suit alleges medical negligence that occurred […]
Florida Primary Care Practice Settles HIPAA Investigation for $20,000
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On December 15, 2022, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights (OCR), announced that Health Specialists of Central Florida, Inc., will pay $20,000 to resolve alleged violations of the Health Insurance Portability and […]
When the DEA Comes Knocking: 15 Tips If You Find Yourself Facing a “Routine” DEA Inspection
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law As the United States continues to open back up from the COVID-19 shutdown, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is resuming on-site routine inspections. Therefore, healthcare professionals must ensure compliance and regulatory efforts are in place. This is part […]
Under Medical Peer Review from the Military or the VA? Get Experienced Legal Representation Now
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Our firm is often consulted by military physicians, Veterans Administration (VA) physicians, and former military and VA physicians concerning matters involving peer reviews of their care. In the military, whether Army, Navy, or Air Force, peer review for […]
Letter from the OIG Terminating You from the Medicare Program? What You Need to Do!
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Have you received a letter from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) proposing to terminate you or exclude you from the Medicare Program? This is an extremely […]
What You Need to Know Right Now If the DEA is Knocking on Your Door!
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Is the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) knocking at your door or, even worse, going through your files inside your office? If so, this is what you need to know right now! YES, you do have the right to […]
Many Adverse NPDB Actions Are Reported That Should Not Be; Here Are Examples
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law We are constantly being contacted by physicians, nurse practitioners, and other licensed health professionals seeking to appeal adverse National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) reports. Often, we find that an adverse report has been made when the matter should […]
Esformes Reaches Plea Deal in Major Nursing Home Medicare Fraud Scheme
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law and Hartley Brooks, Law Clerk, The Health Law Firm On February 1, 2024, the District Court for the Southern District of Florida announced that Florida nursing home mogul Phillip Esformes had reached a plea deal on pending conspiracy […]
Is the DEA Knocking on Your Door? What You Need to Know Right Now!
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Is the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) knocking at your door or, even worse, going through your files inside your office? This is what you need to know right now! YES, you do have the right to call your […]
When the DEA Comes Knocking: 15 Tips For a “Routine” DEA Inspection
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law As the United States continues to open back up from the COVID-19 shutdown, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is resuming on-site routine inspections. Therefore, healthcare professionals must ensure compliance and regulatory efforts are in place. This is part […]
Pharmacy Technicians Allowed to Administer Immunizations After New Florida Legislation
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On July 1, 2022, Florida passed HB 1209, allowing registered pharmacy technicians to administer immunizations to patients. The new law utilizes pharmacy technicians to seek certification to provide immunizations and become “Certified Registered Pharmacy Technicians.” These pharmacy technicians […]
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Says Serial Killer Cannot Sue Psychiatrist for Medical Malpractice
By: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law and Hartley Brooks, Law Clerk, The Health Law Firm On November 22, 2023, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania unanimously decided that a serial killer cannot sue his psychiatrist for gross negligence because the action is barred by the […]
Florida Passes New Legislation That Allows Pharmacy Technicians to Administer Immunizations
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On July 1, 2022, Florida passed HB 1209, allowing registered pharmacy technicians to administer immunizations to patients. The new law utilizes pharmacy technicians to seek certification to provide immunizations and become “Certified Registered Pharmacy Technicians.” These pharmacy technicians […]
Mental Health Counselors & Social Workers: If You’re Applying for Your Professional License, Read This First!
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law The process of obtaining a mental health counselor or social worker professional license can be challenging and time-consuming. When seeking initial licensure or applying for a license in another state, you should be aware of delays in the […]
Centene to Pay Washington State $19 Million to Resolve Medicaid Fraud Allegations
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On August 24, 2022, managed healthcare company, Centene Corporation, agreed to pay $19 million to the State of Washington to settle fraud allegations. Centene owns and operates Sunshine State Health Plan, d/b/a Sunshine Health, in Florida. In addition, […]
HHS OIG Release of New “General Compliance Program Guidance” Provides Valuable Insight on Prevention of Health Care Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
By Michelle E. Missigman, J.D. On November 6, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of the Inspector General (OIG), released 91 pages of “General Compliance Program Guidance” (GCPG) on its website. This is the first compliance program guidance the OIG has released since 2008. The GCPG provides general compliance guidance, […]
Florida Dentist Convicted of First-Degree Murder of Florida Statue University Law Professor
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law and Hartley Brooks, Law Clerk, The Health Law Firm On November 6, 2023, a jury convicted a South Florida dentist of conspiracy to commit murder, solicitation of murder, and first-degree murder in the killing of his former brother-in-law. […]
Ex-Navy Officer Sentenced to 2.5 Years in Prison For $2 Million Insurance Fraud
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law and Hartley Brooks, Law Clerk, The Health Law Firm On October 18, 2023, an ex-Navy officer was sentenced to 30 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in an […]
Types of Disciplinary Actions Taken By the Board of Massage Therapy

By Castillana F. Duvernay, J.D. The Florida Board of Massage Therapy can take disciplinary actions against you and your massage establishment if you are not adhering to the rules and regulations set forth by the Board of Massage Therapy and the statutes that govern the practice of massage. We see common themes and issues that […]
From the archives: From the archives: Are You Applying for a Dental or Health Professional License? Read Our Helpful Tips
Previously published on October 6, 2022Previously published on July 12, 2021 By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law The process of obtaining a dental or health professional license can be challenging and time-consuming. When seeking initial licensure or applying for a license in another state, […]
Florid Man Strikes Again–Government Asks for Life Sentence for Florida Man in $187M Medicare Fraud Case
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law and Hartley Brooks, Law Clerk, The Health Law Firm On August 12, 2023, federal prosecutors recommended a life sentence for the Florida ex-CEO of a laboratory company who had been found guilty of fraudulently billing Medicare over one […]
Florida Legislation Allows Pharmacy Technicians to Administer Immunizations
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On July 1, 2022, Florida passed HB 1209, allowing registered pharmacy technicians to administer immunizations to patients. The new law utilizes pharmacy technicians to seek certification to provide immunizations and become “Certified Registered Pharmacy Technicians.” These pharmacy technicians […]
How Medical Information Bureau (MIB) Reports Can Affect Your Insurance Policy Rates
By Amanda I. Forbes, J.D. When you apply for insurance, an insurance company will look at various factors regarding your history to determine how much your insurance policy will cost. Most insurers obtain a report from the Medical Information Bureau (“MIB”) and use this in determining the risk you pose and, hence, your policy premium. […]
DOJ Drops Charges in Appalachia Opioid Case After Supreme Court Ruling
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On August 12, 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it dropped charges against the remaining defendants in a case against a former Ohio drug distributor. In 2019, Miami-Luken, two of its executives, and two pharmacists […]
Under Medical Peer Review from the Military or the Veterans Administration? Get Experienced Legal Representation Now
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Military physicians, Veterans Administration (VA) physicians, and former military and VA physicians often consult our firm concerning matters involving peer reviews of their care. In the military, whether Army, Navy, or Air Force, peer review for all physicians […]
Supreme Court Rules Against HHS in Hospital Medicare Reimbursement Case
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On June 15, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court said the federal government improperly cut more than $1 billion a year in Medicare reimbursements to hospitals. This came in a ruling that limits regulators’ power to control what the program pays for certain […]
List of Florida Nursing Schools Issuing Phony Diplomas in Operation Nightingale Increases to 19
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law A recent announcement by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC), now known as the Washington State Board of Nursing, has listed 19 Florida schools that it states are or were involved in the fraudulent scheme […]
The Do’s and Don’ts If You Are Under Investigation For Discipline on Your Professional License, Part 2
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law You are reading Part 2 of this blog series. To read Part 1, click here. If you are notified that you are under investigation, DO NOT take the easy way out by immediately relinquishing your license. And DO […]
Helpful Tips Healthcare Professionals Should Be Following for Professional Correspondence
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law I review many letters, e-mails, memoranda, and other types of correspondence prepared by my physician and nurse clients during my legal representation. These come to me often because of a dispute with a hospital, their peers, an insurance […]
Additional Negative Consequences for Discipline on Your Professional License, Part 1 of 2
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Do you have a medical, pharmacist, counselor, or nursing license in more than one state? Do you have a license in more than one profession? Have you been notified that an investigation has been opened against your professional […]
DOJ Files False Claims Suit Against Nursing Homes Over “Substandard Services and Nonexistent” Care
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On June 15, 2022, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it has sued three nursing homes in Ohio and Pennsylvania, citing their “grossly substandard skilled nursing services.” The False Claims Act (FCA) complaint against the American Health […]
Facebook’s $725 Million Data-Privacy Settlement’s Impact on Healthcare
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law and Hartley Brooks, Law Clerk, The Health Law Firm Facebook agreed to the largest-ever data privacy settlement in December 2022. The $725 million settlement comes after nearly five years of litigation and contentious negotiations. The class action lawsuit […]
From the archives: Supreme Court Explores Doctor Intent in “Pill Mill” Criminal Prosecutions Under the Controlled Substances Act
Previously published on June 24, 2022By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Physicians and other healthcare professionals usually have broad scope to prescribe most drugs, including potentially dangerous ones. However, over the past decade, many limits, often imposed arbitrarily through criminal prosecutions or drastic administrative […]
Dental Practice Pays $23,000 For Potential HIPAA Privacy Violations Involving Yelp Posts
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On December 14, 2022, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) settled with New Vision Dental (NVD) over a potential HIPAA Privacy violation. The California-based dental practice paid $23,000 to OCR and […]
NC Medical Malpractice Suit Against the U.S. Dismissed Due to 4-Year Time Limit
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law and Hartley Brooks, Law Clerk, The Health Law Firm On July 18, 2023, a federal judge in North Carolina granted a motion to dismiss a suit against Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune based on a state law four-year time […]
What Payers Are Considered to Be “Federal Payers” Under the Federal Anti-kickback Statute?
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law The federal Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits remuneration in relation to the provision of a “good, facility, service, or item for which payment may be made in whole or in part under a Federal health care program.” 42 U.S.C. § […]
Iowa Appellate Court Reverses $6 Million Nursing Home Negligence Decision Because of Hearsay Testimony
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A, LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law and Hartley Brooks, Law Clerk, The Health Law Firm On June 21, 2023, the Court of Appeals of Iowa overturned the verdict in a nursing home negligence case that awarded $6 million in compensation and damages to the […]
States Take Action to Stop Nurses From Certain Schools From Caring For Patients
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law In late February 2023, multiple states began taking action against licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) because of the FBI’s “Operation Nightingale.” This is also being pushed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing […]
United States Court of Appeals Denies U.S. Nursing Corporations Indemnification Challenge Against Nurse Staffing Agency
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law, and Hartley Brooks, Law Clerk, The Health Law Firm On May 18, 2023, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed a U.S. district court’s decision to deny U.S. Nursing Corporation a new trial. The […]
Florida Governor Signs New Controlled Substance Telemedicine Prescribing Law
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On April 6, 2022, Florida’s Governor signed into law legislation to remove the state’s prior restrictions on telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances. The new law in Florida allows healthcare providers to prescribe many controlled substances via telemedicine. Florida […]
Walmart Increases Pay For Thousands of Pharmacists and Opticians
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On May 31, 2023, Walmart announced it is raising wages for 7,700 U.S. pharmacists and opticians in a nationwide plan to expand healthcare services. The retailer said about 3,700 pharmacists would get a bump in pay, bringing their […]
State Nursing Boards Delay Nursing Licenses Across the U.S. Even As COVID-19 Pandemic Continues
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Staffing shortages at hospitals across the U.S. are worsening helped along by state boards and other licensing authorities taking months to process nursing licenses, a recent NPR survey claims. As a result, thousands of new nurses who want […]
Florida’s Protecting DNA Privacy Act: How Will It Affect Healthcare Providers?
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On June 29, 2021, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law HB 833, known as the “Protecting DNA Privacy Act,” which took effect in Florida October 1, 2021. Under the act, collecting or submitting another person’s DNA […]
Fight Back in National Practitioner Data Bank Disputes and Appeal Adverse Reports
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), created in 1986, was part of the Health Care Quality Improvement Act (HCQIA). Its purpose is to improve the quality of health care by encouraging state licensing boards, hospitals, health care entities, […]
Court Allows New York Doctor To Subpoena Yelp for User Information in Defamation Suit
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On October 7, 2021, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled that Yelp is subject to a subpoena to reveal the names of anonymous users who left negative reviews for a doctor […]
Doctor Indicted in $1.3 Million Medicare Fraud Kickback Case Seeks Reinstatement of Medicare Billing Privileges
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On November 2, 2021, a doctor and his wife who had been indicted for their roles in a $1.3 million Medicare fraud scheme asked a New Jersey court to eliminate a bail condition. The doctor argued that the […]
NPDB Disputes and Appeals: Fight Back Against Adverse Reports
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), created in 1986, was part of the Health Care Quality Improvement Act (HCQIA). Its purpose is to improve the quality of health care by encouraging state licensing boards, hospitals, health care entities, […]
Centene Reaches $166 Million Settlement With Texas Over Its Medicaid Drug Pricing
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law The nation’s largest Medicaid insurer, Centene, has agreed to pay $165.6 million to Texas to resolve claims that it overcharged the state’s Medicaid program for pharmacy services. The deal was signed on July 11, 2022, but wasn’t publicly […]
Florida Judge Sides With Family of Florida Publix Employee Who Died of COVID-19
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On February 5, 2021, a judge in Florida refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the family of a Publix Super Markets deli worker who died after allegedly catching COVID-19 from a coworker. Judge Carlos Lopez announced that […]
Are You Applying for a Nursing or Health Professional License? Read Our Helpful Tips First!
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law The process of obtaining a nursing or health professional license can be challenging and time-consuming. When seeking initial licensure or applying for a license in another state, you should be aware of delays in the application process due […]
Medical Information Bureau (MIB) Reports Can Affect Your Insurance Policy Premium
By Amanda I. Forbes, J.D. When you apply for insurance, an insurance company will look at various factors regarding your history to determine how much your insurance policy will cost. Most insurers obtain a report from the Medical Information Bureau (“MIB”) and use this in determining the risk you pose and, hence, your policy premium. […]
Judge Won’t Toss Lawsuit Filed By Family of Florida Publix Employee Who Died of COVID-19
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On February 5, 2021, a judge in Florida refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the family of a Publix Super Markets deli worker who died after allegedly catching COVID-19 from a coworker. Judge Carlos Lopez announced that […]
Judge Sides With AdventHealth, Allows Fraud Claims Over $57.5 Million PPE Deal to Move Forward
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On February 23, 2021, a federal court in Orlando, Florida, ruled that Adventist Health System Sunbelt (now known as AdventHealth, and which owns Florida Hospital, among others) could pursue claims it has over a bad $57.5 million deal […]
Psychologists and Health Professional License Applications: Do’s & Don’ts
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law The process of obtaining a medical or health professional license can be challenging and time-consuming. When seeking initial licensure or applying for a license in another state, you should be aware of delays in the application process due […]
Florida Judge Won’t Toss Lawsuit Filed By Family of Publix Employee Who Died of Coronavirus
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On February 5, 2021, a judge in Florida refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the family of a Publix Super Markets deli worker who died after allegedly catching COVID-19 from a coworker. Judge Carlos Lopez announced that […]
Florida Judge Sides With AdventHealth, Allows Fraud Claims Over Soured Multi-Million Dollar PPE Deal to Move Forward
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On February 23, 2021, a federal court in Orlando, Florida, ruled that Adventist Health System Sunbelt (now known as AdventHealth, and which owns Florida Hospital, among others) could pursue claims it has over a bad $57.5 million deal […]
Medical Information Bureau (MIB) Reports and How They Affect Your Insurance Rates
By Amanda I. Forbes, J.D. When you apply for insurance, an insurance company will look at various factors regarding your history to determine how much your insurance policy will cost. Most insurers obtain a report from the Medical Information Bureau (“MIB”) and use this in determining the risk you pose and, hence, your policy premium. […]
Civil and Criminal Enforcement of HIPAA Privacy and Security Regs on the Rise
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law The Office of Civil Rights (OCR), a division within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is the federal organization responsible for investigating complaints and enforcing the Privacy and Security Regulations implementing the Health Insurance Portability […]
Military Non-judicial Punishments or Article 15 Proceedings Are Not Criminal Convictions–Military Physicians, Dentists and Nurses Should Know This
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Our firm represents many military and former military health professionals. We are often asked how a non-judicial punishment or Article 15 proceeding will be treated for license applications, clinical privileges applications, and background screenings. Article 15 Non-judicial Punishment […]
Law in Florida Allows Limited Pharmacist Medical Practice with Practice Agreements
By Michael L. Smith, R.R.T., J.D., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law A new Florida law allows pharmacists to practice medicine to a certain extent underwritten collaborative practice agreements with physicians who are licensed to practice medicine or osteopathic medicine in Florida. The new law, signed by Governor DeSantis, took effect on […]
Former University of Florida Professor and Researcher Charged With Fraud and Hiding China Ties
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On February 3, 2021, a former University of Florida professor was indicted on allegations of fraudulently obtaining a federal grant from the U.S. by concealing his ties with the Chinese government. He is accused of fraudulently obtaining $1.75 […]
Doctors Beware: Genetic Testing Scams Rip off Government Payers for Hundreds of Millions – Part 1 of 2
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Several genetic testing companies have come into the spotlight for allegations of ripping off Medicare and False Claims Act (FCA) violations. Health care professionals need to be aware of these types of schemes and the dangers they may […]
Are You Applying for a Massage Therapist or Health Professional License? Follow Our Tips
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law The process of obtaining a massage therapist or health professional license can be challenging and time-consuming. When seeking initial licensure or applying for a license in another state, you should be aware of delays in the application process […]
Florida Judge Sides With AdventHealth, Allows Fraud Claims Over Multi-Million Dollar PPE Deal to Move Forward
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On February 23, 2021, a federal court in Orlando, Florida, ruled that Adventist Health System Sunbelt (now known as AdventHealth, and which owns Florida Hospital, among others) could pursue claims it has over a bad $57.5 million deal […]
Doctors & Nurses: Follow These 30 Tips for Professional Correspondence
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law I review many letters, e-mails, memoranda, and other types of correspondence prepared by my physician and nurse clients during my legal representation. These come to me often because of a dispute with a hospital, their peers, an insurance […]
11th Circuit Court of Appeals Rejects Florida Eye Doctor’s Request for New Medicare Fraud Trial
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On July 31, 2020, a panel of U.S. Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeal judges upheld a 17-year prison sentence for a Florida ophthalmologist found guilty of Medicare fraud. The three-judge panel rejected an appeal in which Salomon Melgen […]
DOJ Charges 345 People Involved in More Than $6 Billion in Fraud, Related to Telemedicine and Opioid Prescriptions
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law In September 2020, federal prosecutors charged 345 doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals allegedly involved in more than $6 billion in healthcare fraud. It is considered the largest Health Care Fraud and Opioid Enforcement Action in the Department […]
Colorado Board of Pharmacy Must Hand Over Patient Identifying Data to DEA
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On April 22, 2020, a federal judge ordered the Colorado Board of Pharmacy to give the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) prescription drug monitoring program data on two pharmacies that the DEA is investigating. The data includes patient […]
Healthcare Providers, You Might Need A Home Medical Equipment Provider License, If . . .
By Michael L. Smith, J.D., R.R.T. Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Physicians frequently utilize electrostimulation or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units, and other medical equipment in the course of their practice. Most often the physician or the practice bills the patient or the patient’s insurance for the medical equipment. Unfortunately, […]
Are You Applying for a Medical or Health Professional License? Follow Our Helpful Tips
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law The process of obtaining a medical or health professional license can be challenging and time-consuming. When seeking initial licensure or applying for a license in another state, you should be aware of delays in the application process due […]
Doctor, You Might Need A Home Medical Equipment Provider License, If . . .
By Michael L. Smith, J.D., R.R.T. Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Physicians frequently utilize electrostimulation or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units, and other medical equipment in the course of their practice. Most often the physician or the practice bills the patient or the patient’s insurance for the medical equipment. Unfortunately, […]
New Changes to HHS Regulatory Process: Secretary Must Sign All Agency Rulemaking
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law In a September 15, 2020 memorandum, the current Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Alex Azar, barred the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other federal health agencies under his authority from independently […]
DOJ Charges 345 People Allegedly Involved in More Than $6 Billion in Healthcare Fraud, Mostly Related to Telemedicine and Opioid Prescriptions
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law In September 2020, federal prosecutors charged 345 doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals allegedly involved in more than $6 billion in healthcare fraud. It is considered the largest Health Care Fraud and Opioid Enforcement Action in the Department […]
10 Biggest Mistakes Dentists Make That Cause DOH Complaints
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law In representing dentists in complaints against their licenses, we see similar cases over and over again. The dentists could have avoided many Department of Health (DOH) complaints that may wind up before the Board of Dentistry. These are […]
Two FL Pill Mill Owners Get Prison Time For Illegal Distribution Of Opioids
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On October 7, 2020, two owners of a medical practice in Tampa, Florida, were sentenced to federal prison time for their roles in the illegal distribution of opioids. U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven sentenced Ernest Gonzalez to […]
HHS Makes Changes to Regulatory Process for Rulemaking
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law In a September 15, 2020 memorandum, the current Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Alex Azar, barred the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other federal health agencies under his authority from independently […]
How an American Board of Internal Medicine Policy is Robbing America of Qualified Physicians
By Achal A. Aggarwal, M.B.A., J.D. In July 2012, the American Board of Internal Medicine (“ABIM”) implemented a policy change placing limits on how long a physician could be considered “board eligible.” This policy nearly ended the ability of many otherwise qualified physicians to become certified in internal medicine. In many cases, this also caused […]
Two Admins at a Veterans Home Criminally Charged For Mishandling Deadly COVID-19 Outbreak
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified in Health Law On September 25, 2020, two administrators at a Massachusetts veterans home were criminally charged with negligence for their role in a COVID-19 outbreak that killed 76 veterans. Attorney General (AG) Maura Healey reportedly stated that the criminal case involving Soldiers’ Home in […]
HHS Changes Regulatory Process: Secretary Must Sign All Agency Rulemaking
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law In a September 15, 2020 memorandum, the current Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Alex Azar, barred the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other federal health agencies under his authority from independently […]
Two Administrators Charged With Negligence For Deadly COVID-19 Outbreak at Veterans Home
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified in Health Law On September 25, 2020, two administrators at a Massachusetts veterans home were criminally charged with negligence for their role in a COVID-19 outbreak that killed 76 veterans. Attorney General (AG) Maura Healey reportedly stated that the criminal case involving Soldiers’ Home in […]
OSHA Fines Several Health Care Systems Over COVID-19 PPE Violations
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On September 14, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a citation against a healthcare system in Louisiana. Christus Shreveport-Bossier Health System is facing fines for failing to safeguard its employees with […]
Non-physician Pill Mill Owners in Tampa Sentenced To Prison Time For Illegal Distribution Of Opioids

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On October 7, 2020, two owners of a medical practice in Tampa, Florida, were sentenced to federal prison time for their roles in the illegal distribution of opioids. U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven sentenced Ernest Gonzalez to […]
OSHA Issues Citations to Health Care Systems Over COVID-19 PPE Violations
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On September 14, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a citation against a healthcare system in Louisiana. Christus Shreveport-Bossier Health System is facing fines for failing to safeguard its employees with […]
Florida Senate Passes New Legislature to Fix Patient Brokering Act
By Amanda I. Forbes, J.D. A new act (SB 1120) was recently passed by the Florida Senate and enacted on June 18, 2020, with an effective date of July 1, 2020. SB1120 restored the Florida Patient Brokering Act to its original wording to correct a big glitch made when the Legislature previously amended it. On […]