Alfred Bonati, MD, who owns Hudson, Fla.-based Bonati Spine Institute, sued the state of Florida for $500 million alleging his clinic was wrongfully shut down in 2023, ABC Action News reported April 4.
His lawsuit alleged the state's shutdown was based on false accusations and cites "civil rights violations, conspiracy by state officials, defamation and libel."
In March 2023 surgeries were suspended over allegations a "certified surgical technologist" was performing procedures despite not being a licensed physician. The surgery center knowingly allowed the unnamed employee to perform cases despite staff concerns, the Florida Department of Health said in an emergency suspension order.
In July 2023 Bonati Spine Institute was allowed to resume surgeries after reaching an agreement with the state, which included a correction plan and a $50,000 fine.
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration doesn't comment on open and pending litigation, according to an April 4 email to Becker's.