BOTTOM LINE MATTERS MORE –
Feb. 12, 2021 – Additionally, the settlement said that their website funneled consumers to what were called “treatment specialists” for a consumer to call for assistance in deciding which treatment provider to use. This terminology implied that the website was a third-party referral site that would provide independent and informed recommendations to those in need of treatment.
These supposed “treatment specialists” had no particular training or experience and referred consumers almost exclusively to the company’s own treatment providers.
They are paying a total of $100,000, including $88,000 to be allocated for a Pennsylvania nonprofit providing financial assistance for addiction treatment. The company also agreed to the following measures with respect to its future business practices:
A prohibition on violating the Consumer Protection Law.
A prohibition on misrepresenting to consumers that the company is a third-party and otherwise prohibiting the company from using deceptive terms in its advertising and marketing.
A prohibition on providing compensation for patient referrals.
