MedVance Institute Must Retrain Students and Donate Direct Scholarships to Florida

By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law and Joanne Kenna, J.D., R.N.

MedVance Institute, which is a healthcare training school with four Florida campuses, reached an agreement with the Florida Office of the Attorney General (AG) on June 13, 2012. MedVance was alleged to have made misleading marketing claims to students. Under the agreement, the for-profit college is required to offer retraining to eligible students who attended specific programs between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2012, at no cost. MedVance also agreed to direct $600,000 to Florida scholarships.

MedVance Institute has campuses in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Port St. Lucie, and West Palm Beach.

Click here to see the full press release from the AG.

Students Complained of School’s Misrepresentation in Marketing Campaigns.

The AG initiated the investigation due to complaints about alleged misrepresentation in the school’s marketing to potential students relating to the admission process, deadlines for enrollment, and cost of programs.

Full Terms of the Agreement Between AG and MedVance.

According to the agreement between the AG’s office and MedVance, the school has agreed to:

– clearly and conspicuously disclose specific information relating to the school’s accreditation, state licensing requirements, and financial aid;

– not make certain representations;

– modify its arbitration provisions so that students can receive quick resolutions to pending grievances;

– offer retraining to students who attended specific MedVance programs between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2012, and were unable to find employment despite diligent efforts.

To view the full agreement, click here.

 MedVance Offers a Number of Course in the HealthCare Field.

According to its online materials, MedVance has programs in the following healthcare professions:

 – Cardiovascular Technology

 – Dental Assisting

 – Medical Office Basic X-Ray Technician

 – Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

 – Medical Office Administration

 – Information Technology & Biomedical Technician

 – Medical Assistant/Medical Assisting

 – Medical Laboratory Technology

 – Pharmacy Technician

 – Radiologic Technology

 – Surgical Technology

 – Practical Nursing

Contact a Health Care Attorney that is Experienced in the Representation of Medical Students, Interns, Residents and Applicants.

The Health Law Firm and its attorneys represent medical school students in disputes with their medical schools, internship supervisors, and in dismissal hearings. We have represented residents, interns and fellows in various disputes regarding their academic and clinical performance, allegations of substance abuse, failure to complete integral parts training, alleged false or incomplete statements on applications, allegations of impairment (because of abuse or addiction to drugs or alcohol or because of mental or physical issues), because of discrimination due to race, sex, national origin, sexual orientation and on other matters.

To learn more about our experience in the representation of medical students, click here.

To contact The Health Law Firm please call (407) 331-6620 or (850) 439-1001 and visit our website at www.TheHealthLawFirm.com.

Sources:

Kamph, Stefan and Parker, Chris. “For-Profit Colleges Cheat Students and Get Away With It.” Miami News Times. (August 2, 2012). From: http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2012-08-02/news/for-profit-colleges-cheat-students-and-get-away-with-it/2/

Turner, Jim. “Pam Bondi: MedVance to Offer Retraining, Direct Scholarships to Florida.” Sunshine State News. (June 13, 2012). From: http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/print/4987463

Meale, Jenn. “Attorney General Bondi’s Office Reaches Agreement with MedVance Institute to Retrain Students and Donate $600,000 to Florida Scholarships.” Florida Office of the Attorney General. (June 13, 2012). From: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/F3599CFFCC64359A85257A1C006A3B0C

About the Authors: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law.  He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice.  Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area.  www.TheHealthLawFirm.com  The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone:  (407) 331-6620.

“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.

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