Statement From Leapfrog President and CEO Leah Binder on the Tenet Healthcare Lawsuit Decision

Why It Matters

The ruling could undercut independent ratings and reviews nationwide, exposing rating organizations to legal challenges and potentially reducing public access to safety and quality information; it also signals a high‑stakes legal battle over free speech and consumer transparency in healthcare.

Summary

Leapfrog Group President and CEO Leah Binder said a federal judge in Florida issued an injunction under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, blocking Leapfrog from issuing and forcing removal of safety grades for five Florida for‑profit hospitals for fall 2024, spring 2025 and fall 2025. Leapfrog strongly disputes the ruling, argues it violates the First Amendment and threatens the public’s right to expert safety ratings, and said it will appeal immediately while complying with the injunction. Binder warned the decision could set a precedent allowing businesses to sue ratings organizations across industries, and announced a Leapfrog First Amendment Fund to support the group’s legal challenge. She said the organization will continue publishing a modified Spring 2026 hospital safety grade and remains committed to healthcare transparency.

Original Description

On Friday, March 6, a federal judge in Florida issued an injunction barring Leapfrog from issuing Hospital Safety Grades for five Florida hospitals operated by Tenet Healthcare and requiring the removal of their recent grades.

We strongly disagree with this decision and believe it threatens Americans' First Amendment rights to hear independent expert perspectives on hospital safety. Leapfrog will appeal.

While complying with the injunction, our work to advance transparency in health care continues.

Please show your support with a contribution to the Leapfrog First Amendment Fund. Stand with patients. Stand for transparency: https://lnkd.in/eyhsADEP

Read the full statement from Leapfrog President and CEO Leah Binder: https://lnkd.in/eXZjEyAy