Nursing Students Sue Florida College For Deceptive NCLEX Scheme
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Four nursing students from HCI College (formerly Health Career Institute) in Florida filed a federal class action lawsuit against the school. The students claim the school conducted a “malicious scheme” to block 95% of students from graduating and […]
Follow Our Tips for Taking Your USMLE Step Exams If You Want To Score Higher
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Here are some common-sense tips you should be sure you follow that may help you to reduce stress and score higher when you take your United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step examinations. You should be doing everything […]
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 […]
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 […]
Humana Agrees To Pay $11.2 Million to End Nurses’ Overtime Suit
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On September 27, 2021, Humana agreed to pay $11.2 million to end claims that the health insurance company denied a group of nurses overtime pay by misclassifying them as exempt employees. A Wisconsin federal judge approved the […]
NAPB Sends False Examination Results to Hundreds of Pharmacy Graduates. Again.
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On November 19, 2022, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) was hit with a proposed class action lawsuit after falsely reporting that individuals had failed the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). This is reportedly the […]
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 […]
Male Surgeon Wins $15 Million Verdict in Suit Based on “Reverse Discrimination” and Anti-Male Bias; Hospital Requests New Trial
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 In a massive jury verdict awarding a male attending physician more than he requested, a jury found that a hospital demonstrated reverse discrimination and an anti-mail bias in how […]
Ex-Surgery Technician Slaps Georgia Urology Practice With Federal Discrimination Lawsuit
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On November 7, 2022, a former surgical technician hit a Georgia urology practice with a federal discrimination lawsuit, claiming it denied him a raise after complaining that a co-worker threatened him because of his sexuality. The plaintiff sued […]
Good News and Bad News for ECFMG & USMLE Applicants: Recent Changes for the USMLE Step Exams
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law These are some recently announced changes that could significantly impact anyone seeking to take the USMLE Step exams. This could be construed as good news by many and bad news by many others. Regardless, here it is. […]
Eight Major Chinese Medical Schools No Longer Listed in World Directory Relied on by ECFMG and USMLE
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law In April 2014, the new World Directory of Medical Schools (“World Directory”) was published. It took over as the definitive list of medical schools in the world (yes, the whole world). There are 180 Chinese medical schools […]
Accused of Irregular Behavior on the USMLE? Here’s What You Will Do Wrong
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law We frequently receive calls for consultations from students who receive a letter from the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) accusing the medical student or medical resident of “Irregular Behavior” on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). […]
Are You Taking the USMLE Step Exams? Follow Our Tips If You Want to Score Higher
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Here are some common-sense tips you should be sure you follow that may help you to reduce stress and score higher when you take your United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step examinations. You should be doing everything […]
Find the Right Attorney For Your Irregular Behavior Case Before the USMLE or ECFMG
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law If you have received a letter from the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Secretariat or the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) accusing you of “irregular behavior,” this is very serious stuff. You need an experienced […]
Have You Received a Notice of “Irregular Behavior” from the USMLE? Important Information for You!
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Have you received a letter or e-mail from the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) organization accusing you of “Irregular Behavior” on a Step Exam? The USMLE Secretariat, the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), have recently been contacting […]
What is the Cost For Legal Defense in a Hospital Medical Staff Peer Review Fair Hearing?
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law If you are a physician, nurse practitioner, oral surgeon, dentist, or other health professional with clinical privileges in a hospital, you may face a situation where you are required to defend yourself at a “fair hearing.” A […]
Rapper 50 Cent Sues Florida Plastic Surgeon Over “Penile Enhancement” Ads & Social Media Photos
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On September 16, 2022, 50 Cent, the rapper and entrepreneur, sued a plastic surgeon and her Sunny Isle Beach, Florida, medical practice in federal court. The suit alleges that the doctor used photographs she took with 50 Cent […]
A Criminal Offense On Your Record Can Prevent You from Obtaining Your License in Florida
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Someone arrested for a criminal offense knows that it can lead to a criminal record that may or may not be on your record for the rest of your life. However, once you pay your fine and carry […]
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. […]
COVID-19 Burn Out Causing More Resident Physicians to Unionize, Part 2
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law This is part two of a blog series focusing on the effects of COVID burnout in healthcare professionals. Don’t forget to read part one. The Problem With Residents’ Working Conditions Existed Long Before the Pandemic. It’s common for […]
16 Tips For Health Professionals to Avoid Sexual Harassment Complaints & Allegations
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Throughout my decades of representing health care professionals, I have seen cases where an economic competitor of a physician generated false sexual harassment complaints to eliminate competition. I have seen cases where an ex-employee invented false allegations of […]
COVID-19 Burn Out Causing More Resident Physicians to Unionize, Part 1
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law This is part one in a blog series focusing on the effects of COVID burnout in healthcare professionals. Be sure to check back for part two. As you know, residents are new physicians who have recently finished medical […]
Female Scientist Files Suit Against Duke School of Medicine For Discrimination, Retaliation
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On August 10, 2023, a female scientist in the anesthesiology department at Duke University’s School of Medicine filed a complaint against the school under Title VII and the Equal Pay Act. She told the U.S. District Court for […]
Retaliation Because Graduate Student Requested Reasonable Accommodations Is Illegal Old Dominion University Case Shows
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Does a graduate student, resident physician or fellow have a good legal cause of action for retaliation or discrimination based on their school or program, retaliating against them for requesting reasonable accommodations? The answer is “Yes,” as a […]
Doctor’s Defamation Suit Okayed for Termination by University over Use of Resident Physicians
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 11, 2023, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky allowed a doctor to move forward with one of his defamation claims against the […]
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 […]
Resident Physicians and Fellows: No, it Is Not Alright to Hug or Touch Others! Important Lessons Regarding Boundaries in the Workplace
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law I am writing to break the news to many of you: No, it is not appropriate to touch any of your co-workers in the workplace, nor to hug them, nor to give them back-rubs or massages, nor to […]
HHS Announces Voluntary Resolution Agreement With University Of Southern California Medical School to Settle Sex Discrimination Complaints
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 Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights (OCR), and the University of Southern California (USC), along with its medical enterprise, Keck Medicine of USC (KMUSC), entered into a […]
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 […]
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 […]
Harvard May Fight Liability Claims for Morgue Manager’s Sale of Cadaver Body Parts
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 To read the indictment, click here. On June 14, 2023, the previous Harvard morgue manager, his wife, and three others were indicted on charges of conspiracy and interstate transport […]
Medications and Other Substances that Mimic Prohibited Drugs on Urinalysis Drug Tests (Part 1 of a Blog Series)
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law In representing nurses and other licensed health professionals, we constantly discuss positive drug screenings, usually from employer-ordered drug testing, with our clients. These clients include nurses, pharmacists, dental professionals, mental health counselors, therapists, etc. Often these individuals need […]
Don’t Get Labeled as a “Problem Resident” for Disputes With Your Medical Education Program: Prepare to Identify and Address Problems
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law A resident physician has a tough life while working to become specialized in a medical specialty, especially in the more complex ones. Try to make it less complicated instead of more complicated. Residents are In Two Different Positions: […]
From the archives: CMS Using Medicare Termination to Squash Doctors Involved in Overprescribing Opioids
Previously published on February 11, 2022By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Recently it has come to our attention that there may be a nationwide effort by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to squelch physicians who prescribe opioids […]
Florida Court Sides With University of Miami, Rules It’s Immune to Medical Malpractice Suit
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On October 28, 2020, a Florida appeals court tossed out a medical malpractice suit accusing a University of Miami doctor of providing negligent treatment at a public teaching hospital. A panel of the Florida Third District Court of […]
Mental Health Counselors and Psychotherapists: Follow These Simple Rules for Keeping Your License and Avoiding Complaints
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law I represent many mental health counselors, social workers, psychologists, and professional counselors, defending them on complaints being investigated against their professional licenses. Many complaints and investigations arise because the therapist has strayed over the line and crossed the […]
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 […]
Judge Says Florida Pediatric Group Must Face EEOC Suit
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On November 4, 2020, a Florida federal court judge ruled that a Tampa-based pediatric medical group cannot escape a U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) lawsuit, denying its attempts to dismiss the case. According to the federal agency, […]
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 […]
New Policy Changes to USMLE Exams and How They Impact Medical Students, Graduates
By Achal A. Aggarwal, J.D. The United States Medical Licensing Examination (“USMLE”) is a three-step examination required to obtain a medical license. It is written and administered by the USMLE Secretariat of the National Board of Medical Examiners (“NBME”) and is sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (“FSMB”) and the USMLE. Medical students […]
Eight Legal Tips If You Are Having Academic, Disciplinary or Legal Problems with Your Residency Program
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Here are some tips to set the record straight on various inaccurate information I have heard from physicians in medical residency programs in representing them in appeals of disciplinary actions including suspension and terminations. 1. Nothing you tell […]
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 […]
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 […]
Ex-Employee Claims Disability Discrimination In ADA Suit Against Kaiser Permanente
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On November 4, 2020, a former employee of Kaiser Permanente Insurance filed a class-action suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, claiming discrimination. She says the company required her to take a “competency […]
Cheating, Irregular Behavior and Other Challenges Facing Medical Students and Graduates
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law The road to becoming a physician is paved with many unique challenges. The long, exhausting journey begins and students are faced with the first battle: rigorous undergraduate course work, followed by the MCAT and medical school applications. During […]
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 […]
Yale University Agrees to Pay $87,500 to Settle Allegations It Underpaid Female Doctors
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Yale University agreed to pay $87,500 to resolve discrimination allegations with the U.S. Department of Labor. The discrimination alleged that the Ivy League school paid four women cardiologists significantly less than their male colleagues from October 2016 to […]
What Foreign Medical Graduates Need to Know Before Transferring Medical Schools
By Achal A. Aggarwal, M.B.A., J.D., and George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law When medical school graduates who graduated from a medical school outside of the United States want to practice medicine in the United States, they register with the Educational Commission for Foreign […]
How to Find the Right Attorney for Your Irregular Behavior Case Before the USMLE or ECFMG
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law If you have received a letter from the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Secretariat or the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) accusing you of “irregular behavior,” this is very serious stuff. You need an experienced […]
Significant Changes to USMLE Exams and What They Mean for Medical Students and Graduates
By Achal A. Aggarwal, M.B.A., J.D., and George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law The United States Medical Licensing Examination (“USMLE”) is a three-step examination required to obtain a medical license. It is written and administered by the USMLE Secretariat of the National Board of Medical […]
University of Florida Rescinds Prospect Due to Racist Social Media Post
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On June 8, 2020, the University of Florida (UF) reportedly announced via Twitter that it had rescinded its offer of acceptance to a prospective student. The offer was rescinded by the university because of an allegedly racist message […]
New Campus Sexual Assault Rules Strengthen Rights of the Accused Student in School Hearings
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On May 6, 2020, the U.S. Education Department finalized a new policy that will reshape the way schools and universities respond to sexual misconduct complaints. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos issued rules to strengthen the rights of accused students, […]
EEOC Sues Yale Hospital For Age, Disability Discrimination
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On February 11, 2020, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) sued Yale-New Haven Hospital (YNNH), accusing the university’s hospital of discriminating against older doctors. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of […]
Question: Is Exposure to COVID-19 For Nurses and Other Healthcare Workers, Causing Illness, Disability, or Death, Considered an Employment-Related Injury Under Workers’ Comp Coverage?
By Amanda I. Forbes, J.D. and George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law In answering the question posed in the title of this blog, first, it should be noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies COVID-19 as an “occupational disease.” (Reference: World Health Organization, “Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak: Rights, Roles […]
Nursing Student Files Sexual Harassment, Retaliation Lawsuit Against UNC Greensboro
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On November 29, 2019, a former University of North Carolina nursing student sued the school’s Greensboro campus, saying it improperly dismissed from her a program a month before graduation. She filed two separate suits. She claims she was […]
Got a Letter From the USMLE Secretariat Accusing You of Irregular Behavior on the November 2019 Step 2 CS Exam? You Need Legal Help!
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Have you recently received a letter from the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Secretariat or the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) accusing you of irregular behavior? We have recently been made aware of letters being […]
Looking Back at 2019’s Largest Healthcare Fraud Case Ever Prosecuted: Surprise! No Surprise, Florida Wins!
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law For years, Florida has topped the lists with the highest rates of Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse. But even by the standards of Florida’s rampant healthcare fraud, this 2019 case stands out for its sheer size, making […]
Florida Doctor Charged for $2.1 Billion Medicare Fraud; Largest Healthcare Fraud Scheme Ever Reported
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On October 1, 2019, a Florida doctor was implicated in what federal investigators say is one of the largest health care fraud schemes ever charged. According to prosecutors, the doctor allegedly authorized genetic testing for patients he never […]
Ex-UCLA Phlebotomist Awarded $1.6 Million in Harassment Lawsuit
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On August 7, 2019, a jury awarded almost $1.6 million to a woman who alleged she was fired for complaining about coworker’s subjecting her to racial insults and discriminatory comments at her job. Nicole Birden claimed that UCLA […]
12 Tips on Protecting Your Rights and Defending Yourself Against Irregular Behavior Charges from the USMLE
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law If you are one of those unlucky individuals who have been accused of irregular behavior by the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Secretariat, then it is extremely important for you to know this information. USMLE hearings on […]
ECFMG Hearing on Irregular Behavior? Tips on Protecting Your Rights and Preparing
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law If you are one of those unlucky individuals who have been accused of irregular behavior by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), then it is extremely important for you to know this information. ECFMG hearings on […]
Here Are Some Common Sense Tips for Taking Your USMLE Step Exams and Scoring Higher
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Here are some common-sense tips you should be sure you follow that may help you to reduce stress and score higher when you take your United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step examinations. You should be doing everything […]
Irregular Behavior and Disruptive Physicians: Nobody Likes a Nuisance
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Identifying and eliminating disruptive physicians has become a top concern for many hospitals and healthcare systems. Disruptive physicians hinder the safe and orderly operation of a healthcare facility and are considered a threat to the safety of patients. […]
Employment Contracts: Tips For New Physicians and Health Professionals
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law This is intended to provide an introductory review of the basics of contracting for new physicians and health professionals, primarily by discussing employment agreements. We will highlight many of the common provisions found in employment contracts, along with […]
Contracting 101: Tips For Medical Graduates Entering the Workforce
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law This blog is intended to provide an introductory review of contracting 101 basics for medical graduates entering the workforce as residents and fellows. We will highlight many of the common provisions found in employment contracts, along with many […]
Many Actions Can Result in Allegations of Irregular Behavior or Irregular Conduct
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law I have written many blogs in the past, on allegations of irregular behavior being brought against medical students, foreign medical graduates and others applying to take examinations to qualify for a medical license in the United States. These […]
Law School Agrees to Drop Accreditation Suit
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On January 16, 2019, the Summit School of Law in Arizona (Arizona Summit) settled a lawsuit against the American Bar Association (ABA) over the decision to pull the law school’s accreditation. The for-profit law school, which is in […]
Medical Resident Awarded More Than $400,000 in Hospital Breach of Contract Lawsuit
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On October 9, 2018, a jury in Michigan federal court awarded more than $400,000 to the parents of an international medical school graduate after finding that Pontiac General Hospital breached their son’s residency program contract. The law suit, […]
Have You Received a Letter from the ECFMG or USMLE Accusing You of Irregular Behavior? All Is Not Lost; Legal Advice Is as Close as a Phone Call Away!
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Have you recently received a letter from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) or the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Secretariat accusing you of “irregular behavior?” All is not lost. But you should seek advice […]
Contracting 101: Medical Graduates Entering the Workforce, Follow These Tips!
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law This is part one, of a blog series that is intended to provide an introductory review of the basics of contracting for medical graduates entering the work force as residents and fellows, primarily by discussing employment agreements. We […]
ECFMG Affidavit to Complete? Attending a Caribbean Medical School? Being Investigated for Irregular behavior by the ECFMG or USMLE? You need Legal Advice! Your Residency Matching Might Now Be at Issue, as Well!
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Have you recently unexpectedly received an affidavit from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG or the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Secretariat? Are you attending or have you graduated from a Caribbean medical School such as the […]
What to Do If You Receive an Inquiry From the USMLE, ECFMG, or NBME
By Achal A. Aggarwal, J.D., M.B.A., Attorney, The Health Law Firm The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) is an organization that sets certain standards for anyone seeking licensure in the U.S. It prepares and administers state recognized examinations for medical students and medical residents, to assure they meet certain requirements for clinical knowledge (CK) […]
Gradual Increase in the Number of Baker Acts Among Students at the University of Central Florida Comes As No Surprise to Law Enforcement
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Standardized Patient Program at UCF Offers Medical Students Advantages Not Encountered in Routine Hospital Rotations
By Ritisha K. Chhaganlal, J.D. Standardized patients (SPs) are an integral part of learning at the University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine. The “patients” are treated as if they are suffering from actual illnesses and ailments. Medical students poke and prod and question such patients on symptoms and medical histories, and are even […]
CONTRACTING 101: TIPS FOR MEDICAL GRADUATES ENTERING THE WORKFORCE – Part 2
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law This blog is the first in a series intended to provide an introductory review of the basics of contracting for medical graduates entering the work force as residents and fellows, primarily by discussing employment agreements. We will highlight […]
CONTRACTING 101: TIPS FOR MEDICAL GRADUATES ENTERING THE WORKFORCE -PART 4
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CONTRACTING 101: TIPS FOR MEDICAL GRADUATES ENTERING THE WORKFORCE -PART 5
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CIVIL RIGHTS: Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies for Retaliation Claims
Our guest author of this is article is Dora Vivaz, a senior attorney with National Legal Research Group in Charlottesville, Virginia. It has long been settled law that plaintiffs who seek redress for employment discrimination under Title VII must exhaust the administrative remedies provided under that law before bringing their claims in court. Title VII, of […]
Texas Jury Finds Doctor Responsible for Harassment of Nurse Despite Settlement Being Reached
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On August 9, 2016, a licensed vocational nurse in Texas who alleged she was bullied and sexually harassed by a doctor at work was vindicated when a $440,000 settlement was reached between the parties. Patricia Hahn alleged the […]
Quality of Care: New Study Finds That Medical Errors Are Third Leading Cause of Death in U.S.
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Always Be Certain Your Correspondence Is Professional. Don’t Detract From Your Professional Reputation: 30 Tips (Part 2 of 3)
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Cuban Lung Cancer Vaccine Followed Up With Clinical Trials In The United States
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law A lung cancer vaccine that was developed in Havana, Cuba, will be the first such clinical trial to be approved by The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for testing to take place in the U.S. The approval was […]
Universities Turning to New Unconventional Strategies to Prevent Medical Errors
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law A study by patient safety researchers published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) in 2016 revealed that common medical errors are now the third leading cause of death in the United States. Now, universities are looking to address […]
Investigating Caribbean Medical Schools for USMLE Irregularities
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law We are asking whether the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), perhaps acting through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), is investigating Caribbean medical schools such as Ross University School of Medicine, Dominica, West Indies (RUSM); Aureus […]
Hospital Negligence Lawsuit Dropped by Florida High Court
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On November 30, 2016, The Florida Supreme Court announced the decision to dismiss a negligence suit filed against a hospital over the death of patient Ashley Lawson. Lawson escaped from Shands Teaching Hospital and Clinic, Inc. The Shands […]
Texas Appeals Court Affirms$1.37 Million in Sanctions Against Doctor who Sued Hospital Former Employers
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On November 16, 2016, an appeals court in Texas affirmed a $1.37 million sanction against a doctor. The physician was ordered to pay the fine after the dismissal of a defamation lawsuit he filed against his former employers. […]
Medical Students, Interns & Residents Beware: A Finding of “Irregular Behavior” Can Ruin Your Medical Career Before it Starts
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law A medical student, intern or resident may receive a letter from the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), United States Medical Licensee Examination (USMLE) Secretariat advising them that they are suspected of “irregular behavior” on a Step examination. […]
Cardiologist Faces HIPAA Privacy Violation Charges for Over Sharing Patient Information
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On February 26, 2018, a pediatric cardiologist was charged with wrongfully disclosing protected patient health information in Massachusetts federal court. Prosecutors alleged that in 2013, Dr. Eduardo Montaña disclosed patient data to representatives of Aegerion Pharmaceuticals. The Alleged […]
Medical Residency and Fellowship Program Problems: Do’s and Don’t’s of Dealing with Graduate Medical Education (GME) Programs
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law Medical residents and fellows, often when experiencing problems with their graduate medical education (GME) programs, wait until it is too late to think of consulting with an experienced healthcare attorney regarding possible solutions. Even when it may appear […]
Medical Students, Residents and Fellows Need to Properly Disclose Medical Disabilities in advance of problems
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law We are often retained to provide legal representation to medical school students, residents and fellows who run into difficulties and have disputes with their medical schools or programs. This may be after they are required to repeat a […]
Rutgers University Faces Lawsuit Over Anesthesia Residency Program Head’s Alleged Sexual Harassment
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On May 8, 2017, Rutgers University was hit with a lawsuit in New Jersey state court from former and current school employees. The suit alleges that the university failed to prevent, stop and remedy sexual harassment and retaliation […]
The 20 Major Mistakes Physicians Make After Being Notified of a Department of Health Investigation
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law The investigation of a complaint which could lead to the revocation of a physician’s license to practice, usually starts with a simple letter from the Department of Health (DOH). This is a very serious legal matter and it […]
Florida Department of Health and Law Enforcement Investigate School Providing Nurse Practitioner Courses
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law A subpoena purportedly issued by the Clerk of Court for Seminole County, Florida, recently requested academic records on advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) students, including preceptorship agreements for clinical courses they had taken. A follow-up inquiry revealed that […]
20 Tips Plus a Bonus for Physicians Negotiating Their Own Employment Contracts
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law At The Health Law Firm, we often receive calls from physicians and health professionals about reviewing and negotiating contracts, preparing contracts, helping employers and employees enforce contracts, voiding contracts, getting out of contracts and litigating various contract provisions. […]
Doctors, Nurses and Health Care Professionals Take Heed: It is Always a Bad Idea to . . . .
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law In my 30 plus years of practice representing physicians, dentists, nurses and health care professionals, I have defended clients involved in many different situations. Several of these seem to be problem areas which we see repeatedly. The following […]
Virginia Medical Board Wins Appeal Concerning Doctor’s Revoked Medical License
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law On March 21, 2017, a Virginia appellate court ruled that a doctor’s state medical license was properly revoked for various reasons including allowing medical students to perform unauthorized medical procedures. The appellate court said the doctor’s due process […]
Recommendations For Physicians Who Receive Notice of Investigation From the ABIM
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law In 2010, the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) sanctioned 139 physicians for seeking out and sharing board examination questions with a testing preparation company. For the physicians involved in that cheating scandal, disciplinary action taken by the […]
It is Always a Bad Idea For a Dentist To…
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It is Always a Bad Idea for a Doctor, Nurse or Health Professional to . . . .
By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law My experience in representing doctors, nurses and other licensed health professionals in disciplinary cases has lead me to conclude, us to conclude, its is always a bad idea for them to: 1. Write a prescription for any medication […]