Senior Counsel, Medical Risk Management

About the Role

Experienced Senior Counsel working under minimal supervision to lead a team of nurse risk managers within the Office of Legal Affairs responsible for handling a high volume of patient complaints and grievances in compliance with federal and state regulations and laws. This attorney-leader reports directly to the Assistant Vice President and Deputy General Counsel – Medical Risk Management and is responsible for case assessment and favorably resolving complaints, grievances, and potential claims at the pre-litigation stage.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervises, mentors, and develops nurse risk managers to administer the patient complaint/grievance process in compliance with CMS Conditions of Participation.
• Tracks productivity and proactively identifies trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Advises health system leadership on potential quality and safety risks identified through the complaint/grievance process.
• Assesses patient care complaints and grievances, within the context of applicable legal defenses, immunities, and indemnities, and implements risk reduction strategies to favorably resolve potential legal claims.
• Regularly interacts and collaborates with clinical staff and management to identify, quantify, and mitigate risk liability; helps clinical staff navigate legal obligations, potential liabilities, and compliance requirements.
• Provides real-time and after-hours consultation with physicians, hospital operations managers, and nursing staff to appropriately respond to immediate concerns relating to hospitalized and ambulatory patients.
• Serves as senior legal advisor in medical risk management matters and provides guidance to clinical staff on relevant UT Southwestern health system policies, in the context of applicable laws and regulations.
• Functions as a trusted, visible leader and senior member of Legal Affairs; serves on various medical committees including the Professional Liability Advisory Committee, Patient Review Committee, and Grievance Committee.
• Provides education and training regarding professional liability and risk reduction strategies within the Health System.
• Responsible for independent litigation management and support as lead University counsel on complaints, agency investigations, audits, and surveys.
• Handles professional liability claims and lawsuits in partnership with the UT System Office of General Counsel, the Office of the Attorney General, and private counsel to ensure University interests are protected.
• Oversees special initiatives, training programs, and projects, as delegated by the Deputy General Counsel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• 5 years of experience as a practicing attorney in the areas of medical malpractice, personal injury litigation, risk management, or health law.
• Must be licensed and in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and eligible for admission to the State Bar of Texas, with full Texas licensure required within six (6) months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree or certificate in nursing, healthcare, health administration, public health, or similar field.
• 2 years of experience successfully leading productive, high-functioning teams in a legal or healthcare setting.

Benefits

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage (100% coverage for preventive healthcare with no copay).
• Paid Time Off, available day one.
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit.
• Wellness programs.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer.

Primary location: Texas-Dallas-5323 Harry Hines Blvd. Full-time, day shift.