New York City Business Law Attorneys for Accountable Care Organizations

Lawyers Helping Providers of Health Services Address Their Legal Needs in New York and Throughout the U.S.

Accountable care organizations, medical practices, hospitals, and other healthcare providers may face multiple types of complex business law concerns that can significantly impact their operations and their ability to serve patients. These organizations will need to navigate regulatory concerns while establishing sound business structures, negotiating contracts, implementing technology systems, and protecting sensitive patient information.

These unique challenges will require careful strategic planning. A business law attorney with experience handling the specific concerns that affect companies in the healthcare industry can provide the strategic guidance needed to help these companies succeed. At Health Counsel Group, we provide comprehensive legal counsel to accountable care organizations and healthcare providers in New York City and throughout the United States. We help these organizations address their business law needs while maintaining compliance with the applicable regulations.

With our in-depth knowledge of business law principles and healthcare industry requirements and standards, our attorneys can develop practical solutions that will support our clients' operational goals. Our goal is to create a strong legal foundation to ensure that a healthcare provider can concentrate on their primary mission of delivering quality patient care.

Business Structure Design and Implementation

Choosing the appropriate business structure is one of the most critical decisions that healthcare organizations will make. The type of entity selected by a business can affect liability protection, tax obligations, governance requirements, and operational flexibility. Healthcare providers may consider various structures, including professional corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and nonprofit organizations.

At Health Counsel Group, we can help clients evaluate their options and select the business structures that will align with their objectives. We can provide guidance to ensure that stakeholders understand how different structures will affect ownership arrangements, management authority, profit distribution, and personal liability. Our attorneys will prepare the necessary formation documents, including articles of incorporation or organization, operating agreements, bylaws, and shareholder agreements. We can make sure the proper state filing requirements are met, and we can provide guidance on compliance and ongoing governance obligations.

For accountable care organizations specifically, we can address the unique structural considerations these entities face. ACOs often involve collaborations among multiple providers, and they will require careful attention to participation agreements, shared savings arrangements, and governance structures involving multiple stakeholders. We help clients design frameworks that will allow for coordinated care while addressing regulatory requirements under programs such as the Medicare Shared Savings Program.

Contract Negotiation and Drafting

Healthcare providers may enter into numerous contracts that govern their business relationships. These agreements may include:

• Provider Agreements: Contracts with hospitals, health systems, or other medical facilities outlining privileges, responsibilities, and compensation arrangements.
• Payor Contracts: Agreements with insurance companies, managed care organizations, and government programs establishing reimbursement rates and service requirements.
• Vendor Agreements: Contracts with suppliers of medical equipment, pharmaceutical products, information technology systems, and other goods or services related to healthcare services.
• Professional Services Agreements: Arrangements with billing companies, consulting firms, and other service providers.
• Leases: Agreements that provide an organization with office space, medical facilities, or equipment leasing arrangements.
• Employment and Independent Contractor Agreements: Contracts defining the terms of engagement for physicians, nurses, administrative staff, and other personnel.

Each type of contract will involve specific considerations and potential risks. The lawyers at Health Counsel Group can help review, negotiate, and draft contracts, ensuring that agreements will protect the interests of health services providers while clearly defining the rights and obligations of all parties. We can identify problematic provisions, propose modifications, and work to achieve terms that will support our clients' business objectives.

Our attorneys will pay close attention to provisions addressing liability, indemnification, termination rights, dispute resolution, and confidentiality. We can ensure that contracts comply with applicable healthcare regulations, including prohibitions on arrangements that could constitute illegal kickbacks or fee-splitting.

Regulatory Compliance

Healthcare is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the United States. Businesses may need to meet a variety of requirements at the federal, state, and local levels. Failure to comply with regulations can result in significant penalties, the loss of licenses, exclusion from government programs, and damage to a business's reputation.

The attorneys at Health Counsel Group can help healthcare clients understand their compliance obligations while ensuring that they implement the proper policies and procedures to meet their regulatory requirements. We can conduct compliance assessments and audits, develop compliance programs, and assist with responses to inquiries or investigations by regulatory bodies. We stay current with evolving regulations and advise clients on how changes in the law may affect their operations.

Technology and Data Security

Healthcare organizations rely on technology to improve the care they provide, enhance efficiency, and meet regulatory requirements. Electronic health records, telehealth platforms, patient portals, and data analytics tools have become integral to the practice of modern healthcare. However, the adoption of technology will involve a number of legal considerations involving issues such as system implementation, data security, and regulatory compliance.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has established national standards for protecting sensitive patient health information. HIPAA governs the use and disclosure of protected health information. Violations of HIPAA through the unauthorized disclosure of patient information can result in serious penalties.

The team at Health Counsel Group advises healthcare organizations on legal issues related to technology. We can review vendor agreements for electronic health record systems, practice management software, and other technology solutions, ensuring that these contracts address concerns related to data security, liability, and system performance. We help clients develop policies and procedures for safeguarding patient information, responding to data breaches, and complying with notification requirements under HIPAA and state law.

Strategic Business Advice

The lawyers at Health Counsel Group can serve as strategic advisors for healthcare organizations, helping them navigate business decisions while working to achieve their long-term objectives. We will work closely with an organization's leadership to understand their goals and provide counsel on matters such as expansion opportunities, partnership arrangements, the development of new products and services, and risk management.

Our attorneys can provide a practical perspective informed by experience working with multiple types of healthcare organizations. We help clients identify potential obstacles and develop action plans that address both legal requirements and business-related concerns. Whether an organization is considering a merger with another provider, seeking to establish a new service line, or making sure it can maintain a competitive edge, we can provide clear guidance while supporting our client's ongoing success.

Employment and Workforce Matters

Healthcare organizations will need to address multiple types of employment law issues that can affect their employees. These concerns may include hiring practices, employment contracts, compensation structures, employee benefits, executive compensation, workplace policies, and termination or separation procedures. Employers may need to meet industry-specific requirements, such as verifying the credentials of employees and performing background checks.

Our attorneys help healthcare clients with employment matters, working to develop effective policies and respond to potential legal issues. We can draft employment contracts, handbooks, and policies while addressing concerns related to confidentiality, non-compete agreements, and disciplinary procedures. We can also address concerns related to the classification of workers as employees or independent contractors.

Contact Our New York City Healthcare Business Law Attorneys

The team at Health Counsel Group can provide effective legal counsel for accountable care organizations and healthcare practices. We understand the challenges healthcare providers face in today's complex regulatory environment, and can provide practical solutions that support our clients' operational success. Contact our New York health services business lawyers at 123-456-7890 to discuss how we can help your organization achieve its business objectives while maintaining legal compliance.