Hospital Pushed Patients to Hospice for Financial Gain

I blogged about this case in early 2023. But it is back again before the California Court of Appeal. 

California oncologist R. Michael Williams charges that clinicians at Doctors Medical Center of Modesto "profited by prematurely predicting imminent death and pushing patients toward hospice care." For "financial gain," they "pressured" families to enroll in hospice, even though effective treatment options were available. (No. F091524, Cal. App. 5th Dist. 2026).

The lawsuit charges that the hospital wrongfully retaliated by limiting his privileges. Dr. Williams died in 2024. But his wife is continuing the litigation. She provides numerous specific examples supported by patient and family declarations. 

For example, Colleen Ursini's "husband had been diagnosed with widespread Stage IV lung cancer." DMC staff insisted that Mr. Ursini “was dying,” and they “push[ed] for end of life.” Although Mrs. Ursini had authority to manage her husband’s health care, DMC staff had important conversations with her husband during brief periods when Mrs. Ursini was not present. DMC staff put a DNR band (signifying “do not resuscitate”) on Mr. Ursini without Mrs. Ursini’s permission on one occasion; on another, staff removed Mr. Ursini’s life support without Mrs. Ursini’s permission.