Company: WW
Filing Date: 2025-02-28
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0000950170-25-029511
Chunk: 120

Company: WW INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Filing Date: 2025-02-28
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 1A
Chunk 120
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 practices, technical compliance with coverage and payment rules, the offering of prohibited remuneration, providing inappropriate medical treatment, submitting false insurance claims, prescribing medications outside the scope of FDA-approved labeling, engaging in unprofessional conduct or other activities, patient privacy and data security rules and financial reporting. In addition, the OIG and the DOJ have, from time to time, undertaken national enforcement initiatives that focus on specific practices or other suspected areas of abuse. For example, the OIG announced a special fraud alert informing healthcare professionals that they should exercise caution when entering into arrangements with certain telemedicine companies. Federal and state governments also are authorized to impose criminal, civil and administrative penalties on any person or entity that files a false claim for payment for items or services reimbursed under a federal or state healthcare program. While the criminal statutes are generally reserved for instances of fraudulent intent, the federal government is applying its enforcement powers in an ever-expanding range of circumstances. If we or any of the PCs or Affiliated Professionals are found to be in violation of federal or state laws or regulations, we and they could be forced to discontinue the violative practice and may be subject to actions, fines and criminal penalties, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Similar to federal and state governmental agencies, commercial payors have increased their auditing and recovery efforts. Claims filed with private insurers can lead to criminal and civil penalties, including, but not limited to, penalties relating to violations of federal mail and wire fraud statutes, as well as penalties under the healthcare fraud provisions of HIPAA.

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Outcomes of litigation or regulatory actions could adversely impact our financial condition.

From time to time, we may be a party to lawsuits and regulatory actions relating to our business operations. Due to the inherent uncertainties of legal actions and regulatory proceedings, we cannot predict their outcomes with certainty. Therefore, it is possible that our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows could be adversely affected by the unfavorable resolution of one or more legal or regulatory actions. In December 2024, we began offering to all members in the United States access to registered dietitians for personalized nutrition counseling. As we continue to build our Clinical business and further expand our Behavioral business line into the telehealth space, consumers may misconstrue our coaches and guides as being providers of medical advice. As we clearly state in our consumer communications, most of our coaches and guides do not have extensive training or certification in nutrition, diet or health fields beyond the training they receive from us. Despite our disclaimers, as