Local spinal surgeon sues state for $500 million
April 4, 2024 - Dr. Alfred O. Bonati, founder of the Bonati Spine Institute, filed a $500 million federal lawsuit Wednesday against the State of Florida and the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). The suit alleges that AHCA wrongfully suspended Bonati’s Hudson-based ambulatory surgery center’s medical licenses in March 2023. Bonati also claims that state officials deliberately harassed and defamed him, his employees and his healthcare partners. The Spine Institute resumed operations in July 2023 following a settlement with AHCA.