Ep 69: The Story of CRNAs & an Antitrust Victory with Tafford & Lori Oltz - Part 1

This is the story about Tafford Oltz, CRNA, and his antitrust victory in the late-80s, which came to our attention during a previous podcast. When we heard it, we had to talk with Taff and his wife Lori - also a CRNA - to hear how it all happened. It’s a fascinating story that hinges on a manilla folder and you’ll hear all the details that led up to the trial in part one.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2348    Today's rundown:  2:30 – We think this is going to be one of the most interesting podcast we’ve done. 3:50 – Background on the Oltz vs St. Peter’s Community Hospital case. 3:47 – Tafford Oltz and his wife Lori tell us about their background. 4:54 – The couple just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. 5:15 – How their employment was structured in the 70s and how the relationship with St. Peter’s began. 9:23 – Taff shares one specific patient story he still remembers. 9:56 – The medical landscape in Montana in the mid-70s. 10:31 – When the third MD arrived, he informed the vascular surgeon the use of a CRNA was medical malpractice. 11:46 – Here’s how a typical day looked for Taff with a 100-mile commute. 13:05 – What changed with his situation? 14:45 – The story turns because of a folder. Taff explains. 17:40 – Lori shares details of what was actually written in some of the letters. 19:38 – How was that working relationship after finding out about their plans? 21:52 – How the lawsuit began. 22:45 – What anti-trust litigation is and the three things you need for a case. 27:07 - Many courts aren’t familiar with anti-trust cases. There had only been one prior in Montana. 28:41 - Once they started investigating, they found St. Peter’s market power near 84%.  30:31 - The hospital produced a letter that the anesthesiologists were increasing charges by 10%. 32:58 - How do you choose legal representation for a case like this and what were the costs? 37:15 - How important were other cases at the time? 44:17 - The role Lori played during the trial. 46:07 - To be continued…