Company: THC
Filing Date: 2025-02-18
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0000070318-25-000009
Chunk: 201

Company: TENET HEALTHCARE CORP
Filing Date: 2025-02-18
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 1A
Chunk 201
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, which could be significant, (4) exclusion from participation in federal healthcare programs and (5) criminal sanctions, including sanctions against current or former employees. Our Medicare and Medicaid payments may be suspended pending even an investigation of what the government determines to be a credible allegation of fraud. Any of the aforementioned consequences could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Furthermore, even a public announcement that we are being investigated for possible violations of law could have a material adverse effect on the value of our common stock and our business reputation could suffer.

As noted, the healthcare industry continues to attract legislative interest and public attention. We are unable to predict the future course of federal, state and local healthcare legislation, regulation or enforcement efforts. Further changes in the regulatory framework negatively affecting healthcare providers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Violations of existing consumer protection regulations or failure to comply with new or changed regulations could harm our revenue cycle management services business.

Conifer is subject to numerous federal, state and local consumer protection and other laws governing such topics as privacy, financial services, and billing and collections activities. Regulations related to such laws are subject to changing interpretations that may be inconsistent among different jurisdictions. In addition, a regulatory determination made by, or a settlement or consent decree entered into with, one regulatory agency may not be binding upon, or preclude, investigations or regulatory actions by other agencies. Conifer’s failure to comply with applicable consumer protection and other laws could result in, among other things, the issuance of cease and desist orders (which can include orders for restitution or rescission of contracts, as well as other kinds of affirmative relief), the imposition of fines or refunds, and other civil and criminal penalties, some of which could be significant in the case of knowing or reckless violations. In addition, Conifer’s failure to comply with the statutes and regulations applicable to it could result in a reduced demand for services, invalidate all or portions of some services agreements with clients, give clients the right to terminate services agreements or give rise to contractual liabilities, among other things, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Furthermore, if Conifer becomes subject to fines or other penalties, it could harm Conifer’s reputation, thereby making it more difficult to retain existing clients or attract new clients.

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We could be subject to substantial uninsured liabilities or increased insurance costs as a result of significant legal actions.

We