Crisis in Libby: Closure of Asbestos Clinic Raises Alarm

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News Summary

The closure of the Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby due to a legal ruling has left the community concerned about asbestos-related health services.

Crisis in Libby: Closure of Asbestos Clinic Raises Alarm

The Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) in Libby, Montana, renowned for its efforts in addressing asbestos-related health issues, has been ordered to close following a controversial legal battle. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office executed a writ of execution on May 7, mandating CARD to pay a staggering $3.1 million judgment to BNSF Railway. This sum stems from a lawsuit initiated by BNSF in 2023, which accused the clinic of fraudulently diagnosing patients to enable them to claim government benefits.

Legal Proceedings Unfold

The court’s ruling came after a decisive jury verdict that uncovered 337 false claims submitted by CARD to the federal government, with the majority of these claims concerning EHH forms filed with Medicare. Evidence revealed that many diagnoses were based solely on imaging interpretations by outside radiologists, which the U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen deemed as invalid.

A Community Left in Limbo

The abrupt closure of CARD has sent ripples of concern throughout the community, particularly as Libby is a town heavily afflicted by asbestos-related diseases. Since its inception, the clinic has certified over 3,400 individuals with such ailments and received upwards of $20 million in federal funding. The clinic had been an essential resource for health screenings and treatments for residents exposed to asbestos from the now-defunct vermiculite mine that operated until 1990, a notorious culprit behind the local health crisis.

Impact on Health Services

Despite its complex legal situation, CARD has attempted to maintain a degree of functionality by relocating operations to 118 W. Third St. in Libby, although its hours of operation have been drastically reduced to Monday through Wednesday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. The clinic’s ability to provide critical health services has been severely hampered, leaving many in the community vulnerable, with estimates suggesting that 1 in 10 residents in Libby suffer from some form of asbestos-related illness.

Funding and Future Uncertainty

This closure has raised eyebrows considering that CARD was re-awarded a four-year grant in September 2024 from the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to screen for environmental health hazards linked to asbestos, which is set to run until August 2029. However, the ongoing legal disputes threaten not only the clinic’s financial stability but also its operational viability.

Legal Battles Continue

The story surrounding CARD is further complicated by a wrongful death and medical malpractice lawsuit that emerged in October 2024. The suit claims that inappropriate opioid prescriptions issued by the clinic contributed to the untimely deaths of several patients. CARD maintains that it has adhered to all regulations and firmly denies any wrongdoing regarding the fraudulent claims made against it.

The Role of BNSF Railway

BNSF Railway has a checkered history in relation to the asbestos crisis in Libby and has faced numerous lawsuits over its involvement in transporting asbestos-contaminated vermiculite from the region. A decision by the Montana Supreme Court in 2023 confirmed that BNSF could be held accountable for the spread of asbestos along its railway tracks. This aspect of the chapter has contributed to heightened scrutiny of both BNSF and the local healthcare facilities affected by these legal skirmishes.

Community Response and Future Prospects

As the fate of CARD hangs in the balance, local leaders and residents are left to ponder the implications for public health in a community already reeling from the effects of asbestos exposure. With ongoing discussions surrounding federal grant funding and the clinic’s fight against the legal ruling that closed it, the future remains uncertain for both CARD and the many residents it serves. The outcome of this conflict not only determines the clinic’s survival but also the health and well-being of countless individuals who rely on its services.