WASHINGTON- Speaker Paul Ryan has appointed a controversial figure to the Health Information Technology Advisory Committee. Patrick Soon-Shiong, who runs a network of not-for-profit and for-profit organizations, in addition to his foundation, has been investigated by Politico for unethical behavior. Specifically, the investigation showed that Soon-Shiong has used his foundation to funnel money into various organization he is affiliated with.
Brooke Singman at Fox News reports:
Patrick Soon-Shiong, a scientist and oncologist who runs for-profit and nonprofit cancer research organizations, was appointed by Ryan this week to the Health Information Technology Advisory Committee, which was created under the Obama administration.
A Ryan spokeswoman told Fox News Soon-Shiong was an “obvious choice” for the committee, and dismissed a recent report questioning his financial activities.
A Politico investigation asserted that his nonprofit research organization funnels grant money into businesses and not-for-profits controlled by Soon-Shiong himself. The Politico report ultimately prompted an investigation by Utah’s legislative watchdog regarding donations to the University of Utah.
Soon-Shiong denied all claims of wrongdoing.
