Jackson v. Paslidis et al

Filing 50

ORDER denying as moot 37 Motion to Dismiss; granting 46 Motion to Amend; Jackson must file his second amended complaint within 7 days of the entry of this Order. Signed by Chief Judge J. Leon Holmes on 1/3/12. (vjt)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
EASTERN DIVISION
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ex rel. TOM JACKSON
v.

PLAINTIFF/RELATOR

NO. 4:09CV00812 JLH

NICK PASLIDIS; DONNA SOODALTERTOMAN; and ARKANSAS FOUNDATION
FOR MEDICAL CARE

DEFENDANTS

ORDER
Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care has filed a motion to dismiss the complaint of the
relator, Tom Jackson. Jackson’s response, in part, was to file a motion for leave to file a second
amended complaint.1 Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care opposes the motion for leave to
amend, contending that the proposed amendment is untimely and the amendment would be futile.
Although the proposed amended complaint comes a considerable time after the original
complaint was filed, the case remained sealed for a lengthy time while the United States decided
whether it would intervene. The defendants have not filed an answer. Indeed, some of them have
not been served. No discovery has been conducted. Indeed, the parties have not yet held their Rule
26 conference. The argument that the amendment has been unduly delayed is without merit.
The Court has carefully considered the arguments as to whether the amended complaint is
futile. At the present time, the Court is satisfied that the complaint meets the pleading requirements
of the Federal Rules fo Civil Procedure and the case law interpreting those requirements in the
context of claims brought under the False Claims Act. Because many of these same issues may arise

1

Jackson filed one amended complaint before summonses were issued and served on the
defendants.

with a more fully developed factual record on a motion for summary judgment or at a trial on the
merits, the Court will not comment further at this time.
The motion for leave to amend is granted. Document #46. The motion to dismiss is denied
as moot. Document #37. Jackson must file his second amended complaint within seven (7) days
of the entry of this Order.
IT IS SO ORDERED this 3rd day of January, 2012.

J. LEON HOLMES
UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

2