Judge sentences defendants in Texas medical conspiracy
Fourteen people who were convicted in 2019 in a conspiracy in which physicians directed patients, particularly those with out-of-network private insurance, to a now-defunct hospital, have been sentenced to a combined total of more than 74 years in federal prison and ordered to pay a total of $82.9 million in restitution, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas. One defendant, founder of a company that fills out preauthorization for workers’ compensation patients, pleaded guilty in 2017 to conspiracy to pay and receive healthcare kickbacks and was sentenced last week to 12 months in prison. Star-Telegram
Virginia legislation grants retroactive compensation to healthcare employees, first responders
The Virginia General Assembly last week passed multiple bills allowing healthcare employees and first responders to receive workers’ compensation benefits if they are disabled or die due to COVID-19. One expands workers’ compensation benefits for healthcare employees “directly involved in diagnosing or treating persons known or suspected to have COVID-19,” including doctors and nurses. Another covers workers’ compensation for first responders who are diagnosed or died from COVID-19 on or after September 1 of last year. Virginia Business
New Jersey businesses, lawmakers say governor mishandled state’s economy
In a three-hour hearing held Friday, business owners and Republicans said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy continues to move too slowly to reopen New Jersey’s economy after shutdowns imposed a year ago at the start of the pandemic. Bruce Groves, a scientist focused on occupational health and safety issues who used to be an inspector for Fed-OSHA, said 80 percent of industries are at low or moderate risk. NJ101.5
How to avoid storm repair rip-offs
In the wake of a natural disaster, be careful when approached by “storm chasers” and “out-of-town contractors” soliciting business. Although not all storm chasers are scammers, they may lack proper licensing, offer quick fixes or make big promises they can’t deliver. WHNT
Nebraska: Families urge support for bill to legalize medical cannabis
Although 70 percent of Nebraska voters support medical cannabis, according to a 2017 study, a bill that seeks to legalize it is facing significant pushback from politicians, including the state’s governor. The bill’s sponsor, who says it does not legalize recreational cannabis nor allow for teens to access it, expects it to ultimately pass through a ballot initiative. News Channel Nebraska