Update on USAP Antitrust Case: FTC Litigation and Class Action Developments

In a significant development regarding the antitrust case against U.S. Anesthesia Partners (USAP), the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas announced on May 26, 2026, that it would temporarily suspend the proceedings initiated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This decision allows both USAP and the FTC to finalize a settlement agreement, which aims to address allegations surrounding the monopolization of anesthesia services in Texas.

The case has its roots in complaints filed in 2023, where the FTC asserted that USAP had engaged in practices that consolidated anesthesia practices, leading to inflated prices for their services. In what appears to be a hopeful step towards resolving the ongoing litigation, both parties disclosed on April 23, 2026, that they had reached an agreement in principle aimed at restoring competitiveness within Texas’s anesthesia sector. However, the specific terms of this settlement remain confidential as USAP embarks on executing the proposed relief over the upcoming 180 days. Ultimately, any final agreement will require clearance from both the court and the FTC.

While the FTC's action is on pause, the related private class action lawsuit is continuing unimpeded. This case is particularly notable as it was filed by Texas resident Christy Burbage, who claims to represent a class of patients who suffered financial harm due to USAP's alleged monopolistic practices. The litigation asserts that USAP engaged in a