VP, Senior Counsel - Clinical Affairs

Memorial Hermann Health System•Houston, TX

About The Position

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team. This position supervises the team of in-house attorneys and outside counsel responsible for handling matters relating to patient consent; behavioral health; facility licensure and accreditation; environment of care; professional licensure and accreditation; external reporting obligations; patient transfers, EMTALA; Medicare and Medicaid conditions of participation; pre-litigation patient complaints; medical staff matters; patient discharges; patient safety and quality of care matters. This position also utilizes specialized knowledge and expertise in relevant legal and regulatory requirements in support and furtherance of the organization.

Requirements

Law Degree (JD) from and accredited law school required
Licensed by the Texas Supreme Court and admitted to the State Bar of Texas or licensed in another U.S. state with the ability to apply for admission to the State Bar of Texas within 1 year of employment.
Minimum fifteen (15) years’ experience in health care law in a corporate law department or law firm with in-depth experience and expertise in the above listed areas.
Ability to work collaboratively to achieve established goals.
Computer proficiency
Strong interpersonal, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Demonstrates commitment to the Partners-in-Caring process by integrating our culture in all internal and external customer interactions; delivers on our brand promise of “we advance health” through innovation, accountability, empowerment, collaboration, compassion and results while ensuring one Memorial Hermann.

Responsibilities

Provides oversight of outside counsel engaged for specialized legal services, coordinating and supervising such outsourced services to assure the successful interface between outside counsel and internal personnel necessary for a successful quality and cost-efficient outcome.
Advises on legal risk with organizational initiatives and day-to-day legal issues and proactively works to identify solutions that both advance business objectives and mitigate legal risk;
Supervise the team of in-house attorneys and outside counsel responsible for handling matters relating to patient consent; behavioral health; facility licensure and accreditation; environment of care; professional licensure and accreditation; external reporting obligations; patient transfers, EMTALA; Medicare and Medicaid conditions of participation; pre-litigation patient complaints; medical staff matters; patient discharges; patient safety and quality of care matters.
Supervises the system-based risk managers and the team overseeing system policies, guidelines, and clinical forms.
Supervises the Director of Policies, Procedures, and Clinical Forms in Memorial Hermann’s system offices
Regular interaction with System executive management, including SVPs and above. Responsible for ensuring Chief Legal Officer is updated timely on matters of likely significance to Executive Leadership team.
Responsible for collaborating and communicating proactively, transparently, and effectively – and ensuring direct and indirect reports collaborate proactively, transparently, and effectively – with all colleagues in the Legal Department on matters potentially relevant to them.
Mentors and advises less senior attorneys.
Partners with senior leadership to develop strategic objective with respect to area of expertise.
Provides oversight of outside counsel engaged for specialized legal services, coordinating and supervising such outsourced services to assure the successful interface between outside counsel and internal personnel necessary for a successful quality and cost-efficient outcome.
Participates in the performance and achievement of organizational and departmental goals and initiatives.
Proactively builds relationships and works collaboratively with Legal Services colleagues, Risk Management, Insurance Services, Compliance, Finance, Human Resources, Clinical Operations, and other key functional areas.
Advises on legal risk with organizational initiatives and day-to-day legal issues and proactively works to identify solutions that both advance business objectives and mitigate legal risk;
Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.
Other duties as assigned.