HealthPRO Heritage is a healthcare staffing company that provides physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists to hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. The company has been the subject of several lawsuits in recent years, alleging wage and hour violations, unfair labor practices, and patient abuse.
Wage and Hour Violations
In 2020, a class-action lawsuit was filed against HealthPRO Heritage alleging that the company had failed to pay its therapists overtime wages and had violated other wage and hour laws. The lawsuit alleged that the company had misclassified its therapists as independent contractors, which allowed them to avoid paying overtime wages and other benefits.
The lawsuit is still ongoing, but in 2023, the court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. This means that the lawsuit can proceed on behalf of all HealthPRO Heritage therapists who were misclassified as independent contractors.
Unfair Labor Practices
In 2022, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) filed a complaint against HealthPRO Heritage alleging that the company had engaged in unfair labor practices. The complaint alleged that the company had interfered with its employees’ right to organize and bargain collectively.
The NLRB complaint also alleged that the company had retaliated against employees who had engaged in protected union activity. The complaint is still pending before the NLRB.
Patient Abuse
In 2023, a lawsuit was filed against HealthPRO Heritage alleging that the company had failed to properly supervise its therapists, which had led to patient abuse. The lawsuit alleged that the company had placed therapists in facilities where they were not qualified to work, and had failed to provide them with adequate training and support.
The lawsuit also alleged that the company had failed to take appropriate action when it was made aware of allegations of patient abuse. The lawsuit is still ongoing.
Impact on Patients and Employees
The HealthPRO Heritage lawsuits could have a significant impact on both patients and employees. If the lawsuits are successful, patients could be awarded damages for injuries caused by patient abuse, and employees could be awarded back pay and other benefits that they were denied.
The lawsuits could also lead to changes in the way that HealthPRO Heritage operates its business. For example, the company may be required to change the way it classifies its therapists and to provide them with more training and support.
FAQs
Q: What should I do if I am a patient who has been injured by a HealthPRO Heritage therapist?
A: If you have been injured by a HealthPRO Heritage therapist, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. You may be able to file a lawsuit against HealthPRO Heritage to seek compensation for your injuries.
Q: What should I do if I am a HealthPRO Heritage employee who has been denied overtime wages or other benefits?
A: If you are a HealthPRO Heritage employee who has been denied overtime wages or other benefits, you should contact the US Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division to file a complaint. You may also want to contact a private attorney to discuss your legal options.
Q: What should I do if I am a HealthPRO Heritage employee who has been retaliated against for engaging in union activity?
A: If you are a HealthPRO Heritage employee who has been retaliated against for engaging in union activity, you should contact the NLRB to file a complaint. The NLRB may be able to order HealthPRO Heritage to reinstate you to your job and to compensate you for any losses that you have suffered.
Q: What should I do if I am a HealthPRO Heritage employee who is aware of patient abuse?
A: If you are a HealthPRO Heritage employee who is aware of patient abuse, you should report the abuse to your supervisor or to the appropriate authorities. You may also want to contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.
Q: Will the HealthPRO Heritage lawsuits affect my care as a patient?
A: It is too early to say whether the HealthPRO Heritage lawsuits will affect your care as a patient. However, if the lawsuits are successful, HealthPRO Heritage may be required to make changes to the way that it operates its business, which could lead to changes in the way that patients are treated.
Q: Will the HealthPRO Heritage lawsuits affect my job as a HealthPRO Heritage employee?
A: It is too early to say whether the HealthPRO Heritage lawsuits will affect your job as a HealthPRO Heritage employee. However, if the lawsuits are successful, HealthPRO Heritage may be required to make changes to the way that it operates its business, which could lead to changes in the way that employees are treated.
For example, the company may be required to change the way that it classifies its therapists and to provide them with more training and support. The company may also be required to improve its workplace culture and to provide its employees with more opportunities for advancement.
Q: I am a patient who is concerned about the quality of care that I am receiving from a HealthPRO Heritage therapist. What should I do?
A: If you are a patient who is concerned about the quality of care that you are receiving from a HealthPRO Heritage therapist, you should talk to your doctor or to the therapist’s supervisor. You may also want to file a complaint with the state agency that licenses physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists.
Q: I am a HealthPRO Heritage employee who is concerned about the safety of my patients. What should I do?
A: If you are a HealthPRO Heritage employee who is concerned about the safety of your patients, you should report your concerns to your supervisor or to the appropriate authorities. You may also want to contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.
Q: I am a HealthPRO Heritage employee who is considering joining a union. What should I do?
A: If you are a HealthPRO Heritage employee who is considering joining a union, you should contact the NLRB or a union representative for more information. The NLRB can provide you with information about your rights as a worker and about the process of joining a union. A union representative can provide you with information about the benefits of joining a union and about the specific union that is representing HealthPRO Heritage employees.
Q: I am a HealthPRO Heritage employee who has been retaliated against for engaging in union activity. What should I do?
A: If you are a HealthPRO Heritage employee who has been retaliated against for engaging in union activity, you should contact the NLRB to file a complaint. The NLRB may be able to order HealthPRO Heritage to reinstate you to your job and to compensate you for any losses that you have suffered.
Q: I am a HealthPRO Heritage employee who has been the victim of discrimination or harassment. What should I do?
A: If you are a HealthPRO Heritage employee who has been the victim of discrimination or harassment, you should file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC can investigate your complaint and may be able to order HealthPRO Heritage to take steps to remedy the discrimination or harassment.
Conclusion
The HealthPRO Heritage lawsuits are still ongoing, but it is clear that the company has faced serious allegations of wrongdoing. The outcome of the lawsuits could have a significant impact on both patients and employees.
It is important for patients and employees to be aware of their rights and to take steps to protect themselves. Patients should talk to their doctor or to the therapist’s supervisor if they are concerned about the quality of care that they are receiving. Employees should report any concerns about the safety of their patients or about retaliation for engaging in union activity to the appropriate authorities.
