Hospital Operations Counsel

We are a 50+ hospital healthcare system that is actively growing. With over 50,000 employees, over a dozen not-for-profit facilities and great providers - we help our communities with their healthcare needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Transactional Support & Contract Management
• Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of corporate agreements including, but not limited to:
• Physician agreements
• Joint ventures
• Leases
• Vendor and supply chain contracts
• Non-disclosure agreements
• Affiliation agreements
• Ensure that contractual language appropriately reflects the legal, operational, and financial interests of the health system.

• Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
• Provide daily counsel on regulatory matters affecting hospital operations, ensuring compliance with state laws regarding referral and financial relationships between healthcare providers.
• Advise on the implications of federal laws and regulations, including the Stark Law, the Anti-Kickback Statute, the False Claims Act, and other fraud, waste, and abuse regulations.
• Monitor and interpret changes in healthcare regulation to proactively guide internal stakeholders.

• Strategic Legal Counsel
• Work closely with key leadership at both corporate and local levels to develop legal strategies that support the organization’s operational and strategic objectives.
• Offer pragmatic, solution-oriented advice to resolve legal challenges in real time.
• Act as a liaison between internal business units and external counsel, actively managing and supervising outside counsel to ensure consistent strategy, efficient handling of legal matters, and cost containment.

• Operational & Business Support
• Understand and apply knowledge of hospital business operations and industry-specific considerations in the drafting, negotiation, and implementation of legal agreements.
• Collaborate with various internal departments including C-suite executives, hospital administrators, physicians, nurses, and staff to address and mitigate legal risks.
• Serve as a resource on legal issues related to hospital/medical staff contracting, telemedicine, ambulatory surgical centers, and hospital/facility licensing and accreditation.

• Leadership & Professional Development
• Maintain high ethical standards and confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
• Keep abreast of industry trends, best practices, and new regulatory developments that impact hospital operations.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior legal staff as appropriate.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:
1. Education:

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.

2. Licensure:

• Unrestricted license to practice law and membership in good standing with at least one state bar.

3. Experience & Skills:

• Strong understanding of hospital business operations and healthcare-specific legal considerations.
• Demonstrated experience with healthcare regulatory compliance matters.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of legal experience in a law firm, public sector, and/or in-house environment.
• At least 2-3 years of healthcare transactional or regulatory experience.

2. Technical Expertise:

• In-depth knowledge of federal laws and regulations governing healthcare services and payment systems.
• Experience with physician/physician group contracting, Medical Staff/peer review matters, and issues related to telemedicine and ambulatory surgical centers.

3. Contract Skills:

• Exceptional contract negotiation and drafting skills.

4. Interpersonal Skills:

• Ability to effectively interact with internal and external business partners, including senior executives, hospital C-suite personnel, physicians, and clinical staff.

5. Additional Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to manage outside counsel effectively, directing legal strategy and controlling costs.

Working Environment:

• Team Collaboration

Work closely with a multidisciplinary team across both corporate and operational levels. This role requires strong collaboration skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities in a dynamic healthcare environment.

• Fast-Paced Setting

Engage in a fast-paced environment where prompt, practical legal advice is critical to daily operations and strategic decision-making.

• Professional Growth

Opportunities to expand your expertise in healthcare law and participate in high-level strategic planning for a leading hospital system.