Central Oregon dental practice failed to inform patients of cyberattack, lawsuit claims - The Lund Report
A group of patients in Central Oregon filed a lawsuit against a local dental practice alleging that the practice failed to notify them after a cyberattack that exposed personal health information. The case is pending in Oregon state court and involves potential violations of federal and state breach‑notification requirements.
Clinical Insight
The lawsuit underscores the importance of timely breach notifications under HIPAA and Oregon’s data‑privacy statutes for dental providers.
Practice Takeaway
Oregon‑based dental practices are affected and must adhere to existing HHS HIPAA breach‑notification rules and Oregon Health Authority requirements for patient notification following a data breach.
Pennsylvania brothers facing 400 years for racketeering conspiracy, $32M Medicaid fraud; RFK Jr. undergoes surgery; GLP-1 users still love chocolate treats – Morning Medical Update - Medical Economics
Federal prosecutors in Pennsylvania have charged two brothers, Michael and Thomas A., with a 20‑count racketeering conspiracy that includes $32 million in alleged Medicaid fraud related to dental services billed for nonexistent patients. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the defendants face up to 400 years in prison if convicted.
Clinical Insight
The case highlights intensified enforcement by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on fraudulent dental billing practices, signaling heightened scrutiny for dental providers participating in Medicaid.
Practice Takeaway
Dental practitioners and dental clinics that bill Medicaid in Pennsylvania must be aware of potential criminal liability under 42 U.S.C. § 1320a‑7b (False Claims Act) and 18 U.S.C. § 1962 (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act), with penalties including substantial fines and imprisonment upon conviction.
Are you eligible? Delta Dental healthcare portal at center of class-action settlement - NBC 5 Chicago
A class-action lawsuit involving Delta Dental’s healthcare portal was resolved in a settlement, addressing allegations related to eligibility determinations and portal practices. The case was brought by consumers in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and concluded with a settlement agreement, though specific monetary or injunctive terms were not disclosed in the article.
Clinical Insight
The settlement highlights heightened scrutiny of dental insurers’ digital platforms and underscores the importance of transparent eligibility communications for dental providers and patients.
Practice Takeaway
Dental practitioners in Illinois who use the Delta Dental portal, as well as any providers accepting Delta Dental insurance nationwide, are affected by the settlement and should be aware of any new compliance requirements or reporting obligations that may arise from the agreement.
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