Abington man opens class action against now-closed Compass Medical. What to know

Caitlyn Kelleher, The Patriot Ledger
Updated ·4 min read

Editor's Note: Richard Callanan's name was misspelled in the original version of this article. It has been corrected.

The approximately 70,000 patients who have been affected by the abrupt closure this week of Compass Medical, P.C., have the option of joining the first class action filed against the Quincy-based medical practice.

Richard Callanan of Abington is bringing the class action lawsuit on behalf of "himself and all other similarly situated current patients of Compass Medical," according to a suit filed in Plymouth County Superior Court on Friday, June 2.

"Compass knew or should have known for months prior to May 31, 2023 that it would be closing its business but never provided any advance notice to the patients/customers that relied on their facilities for access to medical care," reads part of the complaint. " ... Compass deprived Plaintiff and the members of the putative class of the advance opportunity to make adequate arrangements for continuity of their medical care and future care and treatment planning with non-Compass medical providers and facilities."

Compass Medical's Taunton facility, located at 152 Dean St., seen here on Thursday, June 1, 2023, closed down abruptly on May 31, 2023, along with every branch location.
Compass Medical's Taunton facility, located at 152 Dean St., seen here on Thursday, June 1, 2023, closed down abruptly on May 31, 2023, along with every branch location.

The lawsuit alleges seven counts on which the class is seeking payment and injunctive relief due to the company's unlawful business practices. Callanan on behalf of the class is suing on a count of negligence, a count of breach of fiduciary duty, a count of tortious interference with contractual and business relations, a count of negligent misrepresentation, and a count of intentional misrepresentation and fraud among others.

Compass Medical, which had six medical clinics and urgent care facilities in Southeastern Massachusetts laid off much of its staff and closed all of its offices on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 31, "effective immediately," with no notice to patients or employees. The company provided little information as to what was next for the patients on its website, a concern noted in the lawsuit.

Compass Medical's Taunton facility, located at 152 Dean St., closed down abruptly on May 31, 2023, along with every branch location. Photo taken June 1, 2023.
Compass Medical's Taunton facility, located at 152 Dean St., closed down abruptly on May 31, 2023, along with every branch location. Photo taken June 1, 2023.

"Furthermore, Compass failed to provide any reasonable notice, guidance, assistance, or transparency to its patients/customers inter alia as to how to find a new care giver, how to continue with treatment, how to fill or re-fill prescriptions, and how to access their medical records to facilitate future care," reads the complaint.

The company had not updated the message on its website as of 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 1.

What we knew on Wednesday: Compass Medical with clinics in E. Bridgewater, Taunton, Quincy, Easton abruptly closes

A steady stream of now former patients went to the front entrance of the Dean Street facility in Taunton on Thursday morning and expressed a look of bewilderment when they found the door was locked and no lights were on. Some patients were called on Wednesday evening by staff, others were not.

Who is suing Compass Medical?

Keches Law Group works on personal injury, workers' compensation, accidental disability retirement, Social Security disability and injury dispute cases as well as cases related to employment law and class action lawsuits in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Connecticut, according to its website.

Attorney Jonathan Sweet is representing the plaintiff.

Massachusetts Attorney General investigation and complaints into Compass Medical

The Attorney General's office has announced an investigation into the business and its closure. The office has set up a form on its website for patients, employees and members of the public to file a complaint. It can be found here.

Can Compass Medical patients continue to see the same doctor?

In a prepared statement from Compass Medical, Board President Dr. Bruce Weinstein said, “We deeply regret the impact that Compass Medical P.C.’s closure will have on our patients and would like them to know that we are implementing a plan to ensure the continuity of their care.  Most Compass physicians will continue to provide medical care in their local communities as part of other practices.”

Patients try to figure out next steps: Taunton patients blindsided by Compass Medical's sudden closure, 'don't know what to do'

How can Compass Medical patients get their medical records?

Patients needing a medical records request will find a link to fill out a form on the company’s homepage.

Prior problems with Steward Health Care: Quincy-based Compass Medical ordered to pay $16 million to Steward Health Care

How can Compass Medical patients get a prescription refill?

Patients with “emergent need of prescription refills” are advised to check with their pharmacies or call Compass at 508-350-2000, according to the statement posted on the Compass website.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Class action filed against Compass Medical in MA court after closure