Judge dismisses UVA RICO claims; retaliation suits proceed

A federal judge dismissed the claims against former UVA Health leaders, including former CEO Craig Kent and former medical school dean Melina Kibbe, as well as the University of Virginia, in a lawsuit brought by physicians and family members of deceased patients. The plaintiffs alleged that leaders prioritized revenue over patient safety, pressured doctors to engage in fraudulent billing and retaliated against physicians who objected; the defendants have denied the allegations. The judge dismissed the civil racketeering claims, finding that the alleged professional retaliation and financial injuries did not establish the required basis for those claims. Two whistleblower-retaliation claims against UVA Physicians Group, under the federal False Claims Act and Virginia law, are the only claims reported to remain and may proceed to discovery.