Troutman Pepper State Attorneys General Monitor — April 18, 2024
State attorneys general increasingly impact businesses in all industries. Our nationally recognized state AG team has been trusted by clients for 20 years to navigate their most complicated state AG investigations and enforcement actions.
State Attorneys General Monitor analyzes regulatory actions by state AGs and other state administrative agencies throughout the nation. Contributors to this newsletter and related blog include attorneys experienced in regulatory enforcement, litigation, and compliance.
Contact our State AG Team at StateAG@troutman.com.
Powers Combined: FTC Report Recommends Enhanced Collaboration With State AGs
By Ashley Taylor, Clay Friedman, and Blake Christopher
"Today's consumer protection challenges require an all-hands-on-deck response, and our report details how the FTC is working closely with state enforcers to share information, stop fraud, and ensure fairness in the marketplace." [1]
New York Secures $1M Settlement With Northwell Health Related to COVID-19 Testing Charges
By Troutman Pepper State Attorneys General Team
On April 12, New York Attorney General (AG) Letitia James announced that her office has reached a settlement with Northwell Health, New York's largest health care network, related to allegations of misleading billing practices involving COVID-19 testing.
Monitorships – A Resource for AGs and Regulated Businesses Alike
By Abbey Thornhill and Troutman Pepper State Attorneys General Team
Recently, a matter involving North Carolina Attorney General (AG) Josh Stein made headlines when it was announced that Affiliated Monitors Inc. would take over monitorship of HCA Healthcare. This relates to HCA's compliance with the conditions set forth in an asset purchase agreement involving six North Carolina hospitals it acquired when it purchased Misson Health System in 2019 for $1.5 billion. [1] In addition to approving the asset purchase agreement, Stein sued HCA in a separate matter at the end of 2023 based on allegations of mismanagement, including inadequate staffing and lack of sterile equipment among other cost-cutting measures. While HCA is seeking dismissal of the lawsuit, in the asset purchase matter, both HCA and Stein consented to the use of a monitor, as well as this change. Stein stated, "[a] strong, independent and transparent monitor will go a long way in ensuring that HCA upholds it commitments" and "ensur[ing] that the people of western North Carolina have access to high-quality health care."
Stephanie Kozol, Senior Government Relations Manager – State Attorneys General, also contributed to this newsletter.