Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin today announced a $26.75 million multistate settlement with Stericycle, Inc., an Illinois-based medical waste disposal company, resolving allegations that it violated the false claims acts of 12 states, Washington, D.C., and the federal government by improperly increasing its service price to certain government customers by passing on cost increases without contractual authorization. As a result of the settlement, the State of Rhode Island and affected local governments, including cities, counties, and school districts, are recovering $198,664.82.
"With ever rising healthcare costs, it is critical we crack down on companies who overcharge for products and services. By holding these companies accountable, we are protecting our healthcare system and ensuring that crucial funding is spent on patients, not on padding the bottom line of healthcare companies," said Attorney General Kilmartin.
Also joining the settlement, are the States of California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, the Commonwealths of Massachusetts and Virginia, the District of Columbia, and the federal government. This settlement resolves a qui tam lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Illinois.