In a landmark development, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has reached a $2.8 billion settlement to resolve antitrust claims brought by health care providers, including chiropractors. The lawsuit accused BCBS of dividing the nation into exclusive regions and limiting competition, which resulted in lower reimbursements for providers. Although BCBS denies any wrongdoing, the company agreed to the settlement to avoid lengthy litigation – and you can get a piece of the pie.
Dr. Sid Williams Steps Down
After several meetings and conference calls by the Life University Board of Trustees, Life's founder and president, Dr. Sid Williams, has reportedly stepped down. Evidence suggests that his wife, Dr. Nell Williams (senior vice president and dean of student affairs), and his daughter, Dr. Kim Williams, an administrative assistant, have also resigned. Dr. Williams originally announced he would retire in March 2003, after a search for a new president was completed.
The board of trustees is expected to soon appoint an interim president. The primary task facing the new president will be to address Life's loss of CCE accreditation. Among Life's options are a formal appeal of the loss of accreditation (the deadline is July 10, 2002), and a "teach out" of the Life chiropractic students by another accredited chiropractic college.
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