Imaging facility at the center of legal battle in Michigan
The Michigan Radiological Society is suing for-profit imaging center Oakland MRI in Troy, Michigan, arguing its owner, Susan Swider, is not a legitimate entity allotted to operate such a business.
Michigan’s state statutes require ownership of all medical facilities restricted to licensed physicians or legitimate nonprofit entities, with exceptions for nursing homes and nonprofit hospitals. Swider is a gemologist by profession.
In 2016, a court ruled Oakland MRI could continue to operate as before, and Swider was not required to be a licensed physician to own and operate the business. The case is now being appealed. The Michigan Radiological Society believes the trial court is not adhering to the state statutes.
Swider’s attorney, Christ Cataldo, says his client opened the imaging center, while taking state laws into consideration. He added that Swider was issued a certificate of need (CON) license by the state and hires and contracts with radiologists who interpret the scans.
There are differences between both parties with regards to the CON statute and the guidelines within the statute.
In either case, the decision will set a precedent for all for-profit medical facilities in the state and could potentially lead a larger conversation across the nation.
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As a senior news writer for TriMed, Subrata covers cardiology, clinical innovation and healthcare business. She has a master’s degree in communication management and 12 years of experience in journalism and public relations.