Job Description
DescriptionSummary:
The Associate General Counsel, Clinical Operations and Regulatory (this
“Executive” or “Counsel”) works independently at a law firm partner level in collaboration with
other applicable internal and external counsel, as well as leaders within the multi-entity,
nonprofit healthcare system known as CHRISTUS Health (the “System”).
This Executive leads the work
of the Clinical Operations and Regulatory team within the System’s Legal Department, including
overseeing the Team’s workflow and performance in connection with legal matters relating to clinical
and related operations of System entities, and applicable laws and regulations pertaining to such
operations. This leader provides guidance and direction as needed to Team attorneys and other
professionals, and works to ensure that effective communication, guidance and service is being
provided to System leaders and other internal clients by Team members, including in connection with
the development of policies and procedures, template forms and agreements, educational presentations
and other matters.
In addition to such Team leadership responsibilities, this Counsel advises
hospital and System management and clinical staff on legal matters arising in connection with the
delivery of healthcare services and the clinical operations of healthcare facilities and providers.
Areas of required expertise include: compliance with hospital, ambulatory and other healthcare
facility accrediting and licensure requirements; Medicare conditions of participation; HIPAA privacy
standards; disclosures to local, state and federal agencies; medical staff issues (including peer
review); billing and coding requirements for healthcare facilities and providers; evaluating and
assisting in the development of plans of correction; compliance issues relating to clinical
operations; and management of organizational responses to governmental or payor investigations
relating to hospital and other healthcare provider operations. This Executive serves as a resource
for leaders, staff and medical staff leaders on legal issues relating to healthcare and medical
staff operations.
This Counsel works collaboratively with clinical leaders and staff across the
System, and with other CHRISTUS attorneys and leaders. This position requires the ability to work
directly with healthcare facility and regional leaders, System management and boards of directors,
as well as the ability to recognize systemic and other significant matters to be addressed with the
Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel. This position requires the ability to effectively manage
and coordinate with attorneys, outside counsel and paralegals to achieve positive results, while
functioning at a law firm partner level. Education:
Juris Doctor Degree.Thorough knowledge of all
healthcare and related laws and regulations applicable to clinical operations and related activities
of hospitals and other healthcare providers.Thorough knowledge or ability to learn relevant laws and
regulations applicable to nonprofit, tax-exempt and Catholic-sponsored healthcare systems and
entities, including IRS rules and the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Healthcare
Services.
Experience:
At least 15 years’ legal experience in providing healthcare regulatory, and
compliance advice and counsel in connection with clinical practice and healthcare provider
operations, particularly in hospital settings.
Skills:
Have sufficient experience and executive
presence to be recognized and trusted by regional and other System leaders for the attorney’s
expertise and judgment in addressing matters arising within their and the Team’s areas of
responsibility.Excellent written and oral communications skills, resulting in effective
communication with Team and other Department members, outside counsel, regulators, internal clients
and System leaders, and other parties involved in System entity clinical operations.Ability to lead
and guide teams of attorneys and other professionals, to help them develop and achieve project,
professional and work-related goals.Ability to stay calm under pressure, and to identify and focus
on priorities.Ability to succinctly convey key issues involved in complex legal matters to business
executives and others.Ability to accurately and effectively describe relevant facts and issues to
regulatory authorities and third parties as an effective advocate for System entities.Possess and
continue to develop solid functional understanding of System entity clinical operations and
applicable regulatory structures and provisions, to enable the development of legal approaches and
tools that best serve organizational needs.Be capable of working independently at a law firm partner
level, in collaboration with other applicable internal and external counsel, and leaders across the
System.Orientation towards continuous improvement both professionally and with respect to the means
used to provide legal services and meet other client needs.
Licenses, Registrations, or
Certifications:
License to practice law in Texas, or ability to become licensed within 12 months
after start date.
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please contact us at (844) 257-6925.
Additional Information:
- Specialty: Attorney
- Location: 5101 North O Connor BoulevardIrving, Texas 75039
- Contact:
About the Company:
CHRISTUS Health is an international Catholic, faith-based, not-for-profit health system comprised of
more than 600 services and facilities, including more than 60 hospitals and long-term care
facilities, 350 clinics and outpatient centers, and dozens of other health ministries and
ventures.
Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in Houston and San Antonio and
the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, the mission of CHRISTUS Health is to extend the healing
ministry of Jesus Christ.
To support our healthcare ministry, CHRISTUS Health employs approximately
45,000 Associates and has more than 15,000 physicians on staff who provide care and support for
patients. CHRISTUS Health is listed among the top ten largest Catholic health systems in the United
States.
EXTENDING THE HEALING MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST
We are inspired by our mission, vision and
core values to deliver compassionate, high quality health care, improving the health of the
communities we serve. Above all, we are committed to providing our customers and their family
members with a truly unique healing experience, one that embodies our values and respects the
dignity and worth of each person. Creating a health care system that is truly excellent in all areas
is an ongoing effort.