Jackson Walker Health Care News

Jackson Walker Congratulates its Chambers-Ranked Partners and Practice Groups

Friday, June 25, 2010

Three Jackson Walker partners were selected for inclusion in the 2010 edition of the prestigious Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business guide. The firm itself has also been ranked for its Health Care practice, with sources calling the group "a compact but strong team of excellent attorneys" and its Real Estate practice, with sources saying, "The lawyers are deal-makers, not deal-breakers, and always highly diligent."

The Chambers guide identifies leading lawyers and law firms through interviews with thousands of lawyers across the U.S. and their clients. The criteria for selection in the guide include recommendations by clients, the attorney's visibility in his or her area of law, and the volume, complexity and size of work undertaken. For more information about the Chambers USA guide, CLICK HERE.

Congratulations to the following Chambers-ranked lawyers:

Chip Babcock - Ranked for First Amendment Litigation (National); Litigation: Trial Lawyers (National); and Litigation: General Commercial - Texas
The "truly outstanding trial lawyer" Charles Babcock of Jackson Walker LLP is "as good as it gets for handling defamation and First Amendment work," according to sources.
[From Chambers USA 2010]

Chip Babcock is acknowledged as "a first-class media lawyer and a highly effective courtroom advocate." ... One of Texas' leading lawyers for First Amendment and defamation issues.
[From Chambers USA 2010]

Chip Babcock is praised as "a superb trial attorney." He is especially strong in First Amendment matters. "Quick on his feet," he is praised for his relaxed manner in court and "connects well with juries." He recently obtained the dismissal of two libel claims against Oprah Winfrey and her company, Harpo Productions.
[From Chambers USA 2010]

Jed Morrison - Ranked for Health Care - Texas
Edgar Morrison is "a go-to lawyer for reimbursement work." He is recommended for his representation of physicians and other healthcare practitioners as well as for his antitrust expertise.
[From Chambers USA 2010]

Kurt Nondorf - Ranked for Real Estate - Texas
Kurt Nondorf focuses on operations and leasing work, and is described as "incredibly hard-working and smart, with experience of working on major deals."
[From Chambers USA 2010]

Jeff Drummond Featured in HealthLeaders Media

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Jackson Walker partner Jeff Drummond was recently interviewed by HealthLeaders Media for an article titled "Experts: Train Employees Not To Snoop; Fire Those Who Do."

Mr. Drummond was quoted on his thoughts of recent healthcare record-snooping cases that have made headlines and what companies can do to curb the risk of having their employees "snoop" through patient records.

"I think the [recent cases] are definitely intended to be 'object lessons' to make an example and scare others," Mr. Drummond stated. "I'd even recommend 'honey pots' to basically trap snoopers. Make sure they are trained, but if they snoop, fire 'em. Even if it's entrapment."

Mr. Drummond's areas of expertise include representing hospitals and other health care providers, physicians and physician groups, research organizations, laboratories, and managed care entities in transactional and regulatory matters. He regularly advises clients regarding compliance with health care, pharmaceutical, and tax exemption laws and regulations. Mr. Drummond is a frequent speaker on medical record privacy and security issues and HIPAA, and advises clients regarding compliance with those laws and regulations. Mr. Drummond is the author of HIPPA Blog, a blog he started in 2002 as a way to share information on the subject. He earned his B.A. degree, cum laude, from the University of Dallas and his J.D. degree from the University of Texas.

Tye Andersen and Jim Griffin Speak on Health Care Reform

Friday, April 23, 2010

Jackson Walker associate Tye Andersen and partner Jim Griffin have made several recent presentations on the new health care reform legislation and its implications for employers. The presentations, titled "Health Care Reform - What it Means for Employers," give an overview of the changes that the recently passed health care bills will bring.

Mr. Andersen and Mr. Griffin delivered this presentation to insurance agency Higginbotham & Associates, as well as a large group of agency clients, on April 14 in Fort Worth, Texas, and on April 21 in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Andersen also recently spoke to the Texas Agricultural Council during their monthly meeting. The council meetings, organized by Jackson Walker partner Ed Small, are held in the Jackson Walker office in Austin, Texas.

Mr. Andersen will continue to address firm contacts and clients with this important update. To view the Powerpoint presentation, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Andersen focuses his practice in the area of employee benefits and ERISA, advising clients on various issues involving executive compensation, qualified plans, welfare plan arrangements and other tax matters. He assists clients on compliance issues affecting 401(k) and pension plans. He regularly deals with issues involving 409A, stock option plans and employment agreements for executives. He received his B.A. from College of William and Mary and his J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Mr. Andersen obtained his LL.M. in taxation from New York University.

Mr. Griffin concentrates his practice in the area of employee benefits and executive compensation. He works with clients in various industries including technology, manufacturing, retailing, energy, and financial services. He advises clients on design, administration and compliance issues arising under the Internal Revenue Code, ERISA, and other laws. Mr. Griffin received his B.B.A. degree, summa cum laude, in 1983 from Texas Tech University and his J.D. degree, cum laude, from SMU in 1986, where he was an editor of the SMU Law Review and a member of Order of the Coif.

Jeff Drummond Speaks on Medical Records Releases, Retention, and Confidentiality Requirements

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Jackson Walker partner Jeff Drummond will speak at the Lorman Education Services Medical Records teleconference. The teleconference is December 10.

Mr. Drummond will present "Medical Records Releases, Retention and Confidentiality Requirements." He will discuss medical record releases; voluntary releases; releases required by law; licensure, public health, etc.; investigations and law enforcement; retention requirements; and confidentiality issues. To learn more about the teleconference, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Drummond's areas of expertise include representing hospitals and other health care providers, physicians and physician groups, research organizations, laboratories, and managed care entities in transactional and regulatory matters. He regularly advises clients regarding compliance with health care, pharmaceutical, and tax exemption laws and regulations. Mr. Drummond is a frequent speaker on medical record privacy and security issues and HIPAA, and he advises clients regarding compliance with those laws and regulations. He earned his B.A. degree, cum laude, from the University of Dallas and his J.D. degree from the University of Texas.

Carla Cox Speaks on Legal Issues Impacting Nursing Homes

Monday, November 02, 2009

Jackson Walker partner Carla Cox will speak at the Texas Health Care Association 59th Annual Convention & Trade Show on November 3. The Convention is at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, Texas.

Ms. Cox will present "Legal Issues Impacting Nursing Homes." This seminar will assist nursing homes in navigating the increasingly complicated laws and regulations that prohibit persons convicted of certain crimes from employment in or ownership of a nursing home. Ms. Cox will discuss the responsibility of nursing homes to conduct criminal history and Medicare/Medicaid debarment searches prior to hiring staff. Additionally, she will provide strategies for dealing with sex offenders who apply for residency in a nursing home or assisted living facility. To learn more about the Convention, CLICK HERE.

Ms. Cox is an experienced health care regulatory lawyer who represents numerous types of health care providers in state and federal health care regulatory and enforcement matters. She also represents health care clients in health care compliance matters such as developing compliance plans, conducting compliance audits, investigating and self-reporting possible Medicare/Medicaid fraud and abuse, and defending civil actions alleging Medicare/Medicaid fraud and abuse filed by state and federal enforcement agencies such as the Office of Inspector General and the Texas Attorney General's office. She also represents health care facilities, assisted living facilities, and retirement communities as regulatory counsel in connection with sales and acquisitions. Ms. Cox received her B.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of Texas.

Additional materials from the presentation are linked below:

DADS Position on Deferred Adjudication

CMS Letter

Provider Letter #06-48

Provider Letter #07-50

Provider Letter #09-21

Mary Emma Karam Speaks on Physician Employment Agreements and Managed Care Contracting

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Jackson Walker senior counsel Mary Emma Karam will speak at the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation's 2009 Annual Assembly & Technical Exhibition. This international conference is October 22-25 at the Hilton Austin and the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas.

Ms. Karam will present "Preparing to Enter Practice – Negotiating Contracts." She will discuss the essentials of negotiating medical contracts and critical issues related to physician employment contracts. She will share "secrets" she has learned, including how to avoid the most common legal problems with physician employee contracts and managed care agreements. To learn more about the conference, CLICK HERE.

Ms. Karam has practiced law at Jackson Walker since 1979. Her practice consists of representing various organizations as outside general counsel and coordinator of legal work. She is an advisor in health care and managed care contracting and consults in litigation matters involving emerging health care issues. She served as outside counsel to the Attorney General's Office for the State of Texas for healthcare/managed care matters (2000-2001). Ms. Karam received her B.A. degree, summa cum laude, from Spring Hill (Jesuit) College, where she graduated first in her class. Her J.D. degree is from Southern Methodist University School of Law, where she was an editor of the Southwestern Law Journal and graduated Order of the Coif (top ten percent). She was recognized as the Outstanding Oral Advocate in the law school Moot Court competition, received the Best Brief Award in the National Moot Court Competition, and was appointed to the National Order of Barristers.

Jeff Drummond Speaks on HIPAA and the FDA Red Flags Rule

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Jackson Walker partner Jeff Drummond will speak at the State Bar's Texas Health Law Conference. The Conference is October 12 at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center in Austin, Texas.

Mr. Drummond is presenting "New and Improved Privacy: The HITECH Changes to HIPAA and the FDA Red Flags Rule." The recently passed Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act revamps the terms and scope of HIPAA. Among other changes, HIPAA has been expanded to business associates and there are new notification requirements for privacy and security breaches, new rules addressing electronic health records and personal health records, and tougher enforcement measures and penalties. At the same time, health care providers are scrambling to comply with the Federal Trade Commission's "Red Flags Rule," which require implementation of a program to detect, prevent, and mitigate instances of identity theft. Mr. Drummond will co-present with Leah Stewart of Vinson & Elkins LLP. To learn more about the State Bar Health Law Section, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Drummond's areas of expertise include representing hospitals and other health care providers, physicians and physician groups, research organizations, laboratories, and managed care entities in transactional and regulatory matters. He regularly advises clients regarding compliance with health care, pharmaceutical, and tax exemption laws and regulations. Mr. Drummond is a frequent speaker on medical record privacy and security issues and HIPAA, and he advises clients regarding compliance with those laws and regulations. He earned his B.A. degree, cum laude, from the University of Dallas and his J.D. degree from the University of Texas.

Jeff Drummond Speaks on HIPAA

Monday, September 14, 2009

Jackson Walker partner Jeff Drummond will speak at two upcoming health care seminars in San Antonio, Texas.

Mr. Drummond will present "HIPAA Issues in Provider Communications" to associated providers of Haven for Hope on September 18. He will present "Physicians Under Fire" to the Texas Medical Association Committee on Physician Health and Rehabilitation on September 19. This presentation will also cover HIPAA issues.

Mr. Drummond's areas of expertise include representing hospitals and other healthcare providers, physicians and physician groups, research organizations, laboratories, and managed care entities in transactional and regulatory matters. He regularly advises clients regarding compliance with healthcare, pharmaceutical, and tax exemption laws and regulations. Mr. Drummond is a frequent speaker on medical record privacy and security issues and HIPAA, and he advises clients regarding compliance with those laws and regulations. He earned his B.A. degree, cum laude, from the University of Dallas and his J.D. degree from the University of Texas.

Barron Bogatto Speaks on What Physicians Should Know When Entering Into Health Care Ventures

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Jackson Walker partner Barron Bogatto spoke at the Texas Society of CPAs' 2009 Advanced Health Care Conference. The Conference was July 16 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in San Antonio, Texas.

Mr. Bogatto presented "Physician Investing 101: What Every Physician (and Their Financial Advisors) Should Know Before Jumping In." He discussed a myriad of issues that physicians and their financial advisors should consider before entering into a health care venture or investment. The goal was to assist physicians and their advisors on how to better evaluate health care investment opportunities since health ventures have many unique issues. Topics included issues concerning promoters and developers, financial terms, strategic and competition matters, contract terms, and federal and state health regulations. To learn more about this Conference, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Bogatto's corporate and regulatory practice centers almost exclusively in the provision of comprehensive legal services to the health care industry. Since beginning practice in 1986, he has advised health care providers of all types in matters relating to Medicare, Medicaid, and other governmental program laws and regulations; reimbursement controversies; administrative appeals; corporate, real estate, finance, joint ventures, and other business transactions; corporate and regulatory compliance matters; operational and employment matters; and the formation and operation of provider networks. He has substantial experience regarding health care regulatory issues and restrictions involving health care fraud and abuse, false claims, and physician anti-referral matters affecting health care joint ventures and integrated delivery systems; hospital/physician relationships; and hospitals, clinics, and other providers. Mr. Bogatto received his B.A. degree from the University of Texas at Austin and his J.D. degree from the University of Houston Law Center.

Jeff Drummond Speaks on the FDA, the Internet, and Biopharma Communications

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Jackson Walker partner Jeff Drummond will participate in a medical and healthcare webcast on July 23. Along with former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) associate commissioner Peter Pitts, Mr. Drummond will present "FDA and Internet: Lessons and Scenarios for Biopharma Communications."

The discussion will cover FDA regulation of Internet-based communications by biopharmaceutical companies, starting with the recent keyword advertising warning letters and subsequent draft regulations. They will also discuss possible scenarios for biopharmaceutical company participation in conversational and social media: the next frontier for communications with doctors, patients, and wider communities of interest. To learn more about this webcast, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Drummond's areas of expertise include representing hospitals and other healthcare providers, physicians and physician groups, research organizations, laboratories, and managed care entities in transactional and regulatory matters. He regularly advises clients regarding compliance with healthcare, pharmaceutical, and tax exemption laws and regulations. Mr. Drummond is a frequent speaker on medical record privacy and security issues and HIPAA, and he advises clients regarding compliance with those laws and regulations. He earned his B.A. degree, cum laude, from the University of Dallas and his J.D. degree from the University of Texas.

Jeff Drummond Speaks at Numerous Health Care Events

Friday, July 10, 2009

Jackson Walker partner Jeff Drummond recently spoke at the following events:

Mr. Drummond presented "Medical Records Releases, Retention and Confidentiality Requirements" in a Lorman Education Services telephonic seminar on June 11. He discussed medical record releases; voluntary releases; releases required by law; licensure, public health, and related issues; investigations and law enforcement; retention requirements; and confidentiality issues. To learn more about this presentation, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Drummond presented "Stark, Safe Harbors, and other Legal Hurdles" at the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association annual convention. He spoke on June 14. To learn more about this conference, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Drummond spoke on June 15 at the Health Care New Media Marketing Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. He presented "Overcoming the Legal Risks of New Media and Electronic Communications." For healthcare organizations and particularly physicians, publishing or communicating online is a risk many are not willing to take. Whether it's a news article, blog post, podcast, video, or even a user comment, healthcare providers are continually open to potential legal liability. Mr. Drummond discussed how to get past these legal fears and strategically implement new media safely in a manner that minimizes legal risk. To learn more about this presentation, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Drummond presented "Fiduciary Duties of the Board of Managers" to the Board of Managers of Titus County Hospital District on June 29.

Mr. Drummond's areas of expertise include representing hospitals and other health care providers, physicians and physician groups, research organizations, laboratories, and managed care entities transactional and regulatory matters. He regularly advises clients regarding compliance with health care, pharmaceutical, and tax exemption laws and regulations. Mr. Drummond earned his B.A. degree, cum laude, from the University of Dallas and his J.D. degree from the University of Texas.

Jackson Walker Congratulates its Chambers-Ranked Partners

Friday, June 19, 2009

Four Jackson Walker partners were selected for inclusion in the prestigious Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business guide. The firm itself has also been ranked for its Health Care and Real Estate practices.

The Chambers guide identifies leading lawyers and law firms through interviews with thousands of lawyers across the U.S. and their clients. The criteria for selection in the guide include recommendations by clients, the attorney's visibility in his or her area of law, and the volume, complexity and size of work undertaken. For more information about the Chambers USA guide, CLICK HERE.

Congratulations to the following Chambers-ranked lawyers:

Chip Babcock - Ranked for First Amendment Litigation (National) and Litigation: General Commercial - Texas
"Phenomenal at closing arguments and superb on his feet," Chip Babcock of Jackson Walker LLP is a "truly brilliant trial lawyer." Houston-based, he stands out among competitors in Texas for First Amendment, defamation and bet-the-company litigation. In addition to significant matters for Fox News and the Chicago Tribune, he acted for Oprah Winfrey and ABC on a misappropriation claim by a plaintiff concerning the TV series 'The Big Give'.
[From Chambers USA 2009]

"A brilliant media lawyer," Charles Babcock of Jackson Walker LLP focuses on First Amendment defamation-related work. He is praised for being outstanding on his feet: "He shines in a trial situation, and he gave one of the best closing arguments I have ever heard," recalls one source.
[From Chambers USA 2009]

Bob Latham - Ranked for Litigation: General Commercial - Texas
Chair of both the media law and IP litigation practice groups, Robert Latham is "great on his feet, particularly when dealing with witnesses," reveal sources.
[From Chambers USA 2009]

Jed Morrison - Ranked for Health Care - Texas
This midsized Texas firm's healthcare practice is spread across its Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio offices, with lawyers advising clients including hospital systems, physician organizations, joint ventures, long-term care providers and medical equipment manufacturers and suppliers. "One of the stronger regional operations around," the team covers areas including M&A transactions, administrative matters, regulatory advice and healthcare litigation. San Antonio-based Edgar Morrison is a prominent name for reimbursement issues; other areas of his practice include antitrust, Medicare and Medicaid regulatory issues and healthcare transactional law.
[From Chambers USA 2009]

Kurt Nondorf - Ranked for Real Estate - Texas
[Jackson Walker's] well-rounded real estate practice provides assistance with the full range of transactions to a diverse client base that includes REITs and institutional owners of commercial real estate. Key clients Lionstone Group and Crescent Real Estate provide a steady source of work for the team, which is particularly well regarded for its expertise in commercial leasing agreements. Kurt Nondorf is the team's standout real estate attorney, and his experience extends to all forms of transactions concerning commercial and industrial real estate.
[From Chambers USA 2009]