Plaintiffs claim American Osteopathic Association policy discourages doctors from joining medical societies with lower member fees Four osteopathic physicians—fed up with paying annual dues of $683 in in order to remain board certified—are suing the American Osteopathic Association. The class action lawsuit accuses the AOA of violating antitrust laws by tying certification to membership. As a result, according to the suit, AOA can shut out potential competition from other physician associations and charge higher prices. The case highlights how associations—which gather people and companies together for common purposes—must pay careful attention to antitrust issues. Some… Read More