.png){kind=spacer}
Our client, a Doctor of Dental Surgery, was the subject of a multi-state investigation that spanned nearly three years. The time and operational drag on the business arising from these investigations was significant, but the Prosecution Division of the Pennsylvania Department of State's Office of Chief Counsel recently closed their file on this matter with no further action or licensing implications.
Telemedicine is an Enforcement Risk Factor
Using our background as former prosecutors, federal investigators, and government regulators, HLA advises a wide spectrum of clients across the healthcare delivery chain on how to take risk in a safe and compliant manner.
Although there a number of factors that potentially increase risk in the highly regulated healthcare industry, the Department of Justice and supporting agencies, such as HHS-OIG and the FBI, have prioritized civil and criminal investigations relating to telemedicine in recent years.
Telemedicine is often the subject of federal focus because it typically crosses state lines and involves relatively high claim volume.
HLA's Defense Strategy
In this case, we helped the investigative agencies to understand the telemedicine space in great detail, which provided context for our arguments that the client's business model was fully compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.
In the healthcare industry, there is a lot of "grey," which provides for innovation and business opportunities. At the same time, if you or your business are seeking to capitalize on those opportunities, it is critical to have a compelling narrative that will address any regulatory concerns in the event of scrutiny. Reliance on experienced defense counsel often helps to support that narrative.
State Officials Declined to Prosecute
Based on our factual and legal arguments, multiple state licensing boards, including the Pennsylvania Department most recently, declined to take further action and closed their file. Now our satisfied client can refocus his energy where it should be, on running his business.
MORE ARTICLES BY CATEGORY
Resolving Prescription “Red Flags” Is No Longer Optional: Federal Scrutiny Tightens on Controlled-Substance Dispensing
Pharmacists must resolve “red flags” under the Controlled Substances Act’s corresponding-responsibility requirements before dispensing controlled substances. Overlooking warning signs, such as cash-paid, high-dose opioid prescriptions—can now trigger False Claims Act liability and massive penalties, as demonstrated by Walgreens’ $350 million settlement in April 2025.
Read More >>9th Circuit’s Landmark EKRA Ruling—What Providers Should Know
On July 11, 2025, the 9th Circuit upheld a laboratory operator’s convictions for violating EKRA by paying marketing agents to mislead providers into providing patient referrals for medically unnecessary blood tests. In this article, we analyze the 9th Circuit’s ruling and what it means for the future of EKRA enforcement.
Read More >>Collateral Consequences Mount Quickly After Adverse DEA Inspection
Adverse findings during a DEA inspection can trigger a chain reaction of serious consequences for pharmacies, including increasing fines, suspension or revocation of DEA registrations and pharmacy licenses, costly False Claims Act (FCA) lawsuits, and potential criminal liability.
Read More >>Heath Law Alliance Secures Reversal of a Medicaid Payment Suspension
Health Law Alliance successfully secured a full reversal of a Medi-Cal payment suspension for a California pharmacy, overturning speculative allegations made by the Department of Health Care Services. This case highlights the firm’s ability to protect healthcare providers against unjust enforcement actions and the critical value of experienced legal counsel in Medicaid and insurance disputes.
Read More >>
