Tenet Seeks $10.5M Legal Fees From Leapfrog After Ratings Ruling

Tenet has asked a court to order Leapfrog to pay $10.5 million in legal fees after a judge ruled that the nonprofit unfairly deflated Tenet hospital ratings.

Court Ruling Details

A judge found that Leapfrog had unfairly lowered ratings assigned to Tenet facilities. Tenet responded by filing a request for reimbursement of legal costs totaling $10.5 million.

Leapfrog Response

Leapfrog stated that the requested penalty would cast a specter of financial ruin over the nonprofit. The organization made this claim in filings opposing the fee request.

Case Background

The dispute centers on Leapfrog hospital ratings assigned to Tenet facilities. According to Healthcare Dive, the judge sided with Tenet on the claim of unfair deflation of those ratings. Tenet filed the fee petition after receiving the favorable ruling.

Leapfrog provides hospital safety grades used by many health systems. According to Healthcare Dive, the current fight is limited to the amount of legal fees sought by Tenet. The outcome of the fee request remains pending.

Next Steps in Litigation

Both parties continue to file documents on the fee issue. According to Healthcare Dive, Leapfrog has warned of severe financial consequences if the full amount is awarded.