Asst General Counsel - Acclaim

Job Summary

The Assistant General Counsel – Acclaim (AGC) will serve as a dedicated attorney providing advice, consultation and legal representation on all matters involving or affecting Acclaim Physician Group, assuming responsibility for strategic contracting, transactional, corporate governance and regulatory issues.

This role will (1) evaluate need for legal services, (2) advise and consult on all legal matters affecting Acclaim and (3) analyze the need for, and consult with, other attorneys and/or law firms on specific matters or areas of representation for Acclaim.

The Assistant General Counsel will maintain a view towards reducing expenditures on legal services while mitigating risk and improving operational and clinical performance.

Essential Job Functions & Accountabilities

• Provides legal advice, guidance, and counsel for activities, placing emphasis on enhancing and improving all legal processes within budget parameters, and other internal requirements, and facilitates the process of obtaining appropriate approvals for contracts.
• Oversees the contract management process and personnel for Acclaim, organizing and maintaining contract records in an effective, systematic manner and as consistent with the applicable contract management software program.
• Negotiates and documents a wide variety of contracts, change orders, and other agreements and arrangements pertaining to Acclaim’s operations, including but not limited to, purchase agreements, service level agreements, real estate related agreements, and other contracts in a manner that obtains terms and conditions that are favorable for the organization.
• Communicates effectively with colleagues at all levels to develop an understanding of each functional role in Acclaim’s operations, identifying needs and objectives, and providing education on the legal aspects affecting their responsibilities.
• Covers coordination with executives in other departments, within Acclaim and JPS; including finance, compliance, human resources, and risk, to ensure compliance, cooperation and collaboration across the health system.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact physicians and physician groups, particularly physician compensation and referral laws.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements and trends in the field of Law by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and maintaining Texas State Bar licensure.
• Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices. Engaging in education and effective communication regarding legal issues and developments.
• Leads policy review, development, and education for Acclaim, coordinating with key stakeholders to ensure alignment with the health system.
• Maintains a positive working relationship with management, vendors, other hospitals, counsel, employees, government representatives and other medical, legal, facilities, and/or supply chain professionals to ensure optimal communication and cooperation.
• Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal/state/private health plans.
• Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.
• Actively promotes teamwork in the department and between departments.
• Provides legal analysis and review, including the identification, analysis, and resolutions of regulatory issues arising in connection with contracts, transactions, operations, corporate governance, employment and other matters affecting physician groups including stark, false claims, anti-kickback and other healthcare fraud and abuse laws.
• Cover the coordination of the provision of legal services for Acclaim.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited School of Law.
• 8 plus years of practice experience in health care; preferably in both law firm and in-house counsel settings, with experience at a public academic medical center setting.
• Current Texas State Bar Association license; OR, must pursue “Admission without Examination” as outlined based on reciprocity by the most recent standards established by the Texas State Bar Association resulting in receipt of a Texas State Bar Association license within 12 months of hire date.
• Good standing with the Texas Bar Association or an equivalent state bar association.