Dr. Alfred Bonati, a spine surgeon based in Hudson, Florida, is suing the state for $500 million after the state shut down his ambulatory surgery center, The Bonati Spine Institute, as reported by MSN News.

The lawsuit, filed against the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and three of its employees, alleges that the shutdown was based on false allegations. Dr. Bonati claims that the closure of his center in March 2023 was unjustified and that it caused significant harm to his business and reputation.

The state had suspended the center’s license, accusing it of endangering patients’ health by allowing a certified surgical technologist, not licensed as a doctor, to perform an entire spine surgery. 

The lawsuit also asserts that these allegations were knowingly false and part of a deliberate effort to damage the facility and Dr. Bonati’s reputation. The suit also includes claims of civil rights violations, defamation, civil conspiracy and tortious interference with a business relationship.

Kimberly Bonati, senior vice president of media and communications for The Bonati Spine Institute, said a key factor in their success over the past 40 years has been their unique anesthesia approach, which keeps patients awake and communicative during surgery.

“These allegations were not only knowingly false, but done in a deliberate effort to damage our facility and the reputation of our owner, Dr. Bonati,” she told MSN.

Despite the shutdown, the institute partnered with another surgery center to continue treating patients, with Bonati Spine Institute staff being credentialed to provide care there.

The lawsuit also alleges that AHCA employees repeatedly visited the partnered surgery center, harassing employees and searching for Dr. Bonati. The suit seeks $500 million in damages for the significant lost revenue and reputational harm suffered by The Bonati Spine Institute.