General Counsel

From its origins in 1998 operating a single clinic in Queens, New York, Professional Physical Therapy has grown to more than 175 outpatient clinics spanning 5 states throughout the Northeast. Specifically, over the last 5 years, the company has expanded through an acquisition and de novo strategy enabled by private equity backing to become one of the top ten outpatient providers of physical therapy in the country. The organization employs more than 600 clinical staff among its 1,800+ employees and provides well over one million patient visits per year.

 The Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) is responsible for the overall development, oversight and administration of the compliance function and the managing and directing the compliance program for Professional Physical Therapy.  The CCO oversees the compliance program and compliance program policies; oversees compliance training and internal audits; oversees development and implementation of compliance standards including, but not limited to, privacy and clinical documentation; oversees compliance with applicable legal and regulatory standards; The CCO will be the primary contact for coordinating regulatory inquiries and examinations.

The General Counsel provides senior management with effective advice on Company strategies and their implementation, manages the legal and compliance function and obtains and oversees the work of outside counsel.

The General Counsel will provide leadership and management for all corporate and commercial legal matters for Professional Physical Therapy.  The General Counsel provides accurate legal advice, direction and support to Professional Physical Therapy and all its entities, the Board of Directors, management, officers and employees in a manner that preserves and protects the Company’s assets, furthers its mission and achieves compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

The General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer manages the daily activities of the Legal and Compliance Department. This position is located in Melville, NY.

 Essential Functions:

Chief Compliance Officer

Oversees and monitors Compliance in Action compliance program.
Reports to the CEO and the Board of Directors on a regular basis to review program progress and coordinate with other senior management staff on establishing improvement plans; revises and updates the Compliance Program as necessary.
Oversees the development of compliance policies, procedures and programs; provides continuing guidance on compliance matters and compliance standards; Coordinates and collaborates with other department heads with creating and implementing corporate policies.
Ensures compliance policies and programs are comprehensive, current and reflect Professional’s business practices.
Create, schedule and implement compliance training and programs in consultation and collaboration with the Human Resources Department, Clinical Excellence Department and other senior management staff.
Review and approve all marketing materials and other business communications as necessary to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
Conduct an annual review of compliance policies and procedures as required by applicable laws and regulations; prepare an annual written report documenting the annual review and report any material compliance matters to the CEO, Board of Directors and senior management.
Investigate complaints and coordinate actions plans with other departments; Compiles reports of calls received, investigations conducted, findings and recommendations developed, action plans established and progress noted.
Assist the Finance Department in coordinating internal compliance review and monitoring activities.
Conduct inspections, audits and investigations on a monthly basis to assess readiness and compliance with company and regulatory policies and to specifically identify where corrective actions are needed.
Present written evaluations to the Compliance Committee, CEO, and Board of Directors at least annually.
 

General Counsel

Serves as the key legal advisor on all major business transactions, including but not limited to, acquisitions, divestitures and joint ventures.
Develops, implements and manages the provision of legal services for Professional Physical Therapy which includes a budget for internal and external legal services and expenses; liability insurance reserves and other insurance coverage; selection and management of outside counsel; management of in-house legal staff; and developing in-house legal staff to enable them to understand and provide legal support for Professional Physical Therapy’s mission, vision, values and strategic plan in conformance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Provide legal advice and opinions, and draft or review documents for complete complex business transactions (acquisitions, mergers/consolidations, joint ventures, and the like), and review, revise, draft and negotiate a broad array of contracts (e.g. service, purchase, employment, severance, payor, leases, etc...)
Remains current on and researches federal, state and local statutes and regulations as they pertain to business transactions and operations; provides education and support  to Professional’s employees on federal, state and local regulations, including but not limited to: Stark, Anti-kickback, False Claims, HIPAA, labor and employment law, OSHA, and environmental law.
Serves as the “Corporate Secretary” at Board of Directors meetings.
Complete the legal work related to creating or dissolving corporate or other entities such as articles of incorporation, bylaws, operating agreements and amendments; their governance and required legal findings.
Provides legal advice and support on Professional’s strategic initiatives.
Reviews and advises on current policies, procedures, handbooks and updates.
Partners with Human Resources and other departments to assist in the successful implementation of their policies and procedures.
Reviews business operations to maintain compliance in all legal aspects and develops legal opinion, with in-house or outside resources, on Company business model and potential changes to Company business model.
May negotiate and draft contracts between Professional Physical Therapy and other companies, state and/or federal agencies.
Reviews and approves all contracts prior to them being signed.
Takes a leadership role with regards to due diligence on acquisitions, partnerships and de novo projects.
Attends Company meetings and training classes as required; completes assigned training courses as directed.
Maintains working knowledge of HIPAA, OSHA, Risk Management and Compliance regulations.
Practices confidentiality and privacy protocols in accordance with Company policies.
Other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer or Board of Directors.
 

Qualifications:

Juris doctorate from an accredited law school with a license to practice in New York or another state with New York “authorized in-house counsel status” required.
A minimum of 10 years of legal experience is required, preferably in the healthcare industry.
 A minimum of five years of outpatient rehabilitation therapy experience is required.
 Experience working on matters of corporate governance and with a board of directors is required.
 Knowledge in all aspects of healthcare law is required, including but not limited to: complex contracts and agreements, compliance and regulatory issues, risk management, medical staff, labor and employment law, patient care, merger/acquisition/joint venture transactions, financing, real estate, intellectual property, litigation, corporate law and governance.
 Must demonstrate a high level of personal integrity and professional judgement.
 Must be able to work in a collaborative, collegial and respectful manner with senior management, the Board of Directors, employees and members of the Legal and Compliance Department.
Must have excellent oral and written communication skills; acute attention to detail is required.
Demonstrated strong management and leadership capabilities. Outstanding interpersonal skills are required, including diplomacy and flexibility, and the ability to interface effectively and engender trust and confidence with employees at all levels of the Company.
 

Additional background on Professional:

As experts in the field of rehabilitation, we recognize the high incidence of injuries that occur during sports and recreational activities.  That is why Professional has extended its services to provide Athletic Training Services to local schools and sports organizations.  Our Certified Athletic Trainers (ATs) help educate organizations, and the individuals within, in ways to prevent injuries.  Our ATs are onsite, so they are able to respond to any injuries that do occur, and provide the immediate care and treatment necessary.  This includes ensuring each individual receives the proper follow-up care by a Specialist, such as an Orthopedist.
As part of our commitment to advances in the field of Physical Therapy, and the standard of care we ask of our employees, Professional has launched Professional Seminars, a Continuing Education program for allied health staff.
We are committed to not only educating those currently in the field of Physical Therapy, but also to those who aspire to practice as our colleagues in the future.  Professional offers its Clinical Affiliation Program  to undergraduate and graduate students from over 100 academic institutions, hosting nearly 250 students each year.
Professional is also proud to actively participate in and support many events, local sponsorships, and philanthropic organizations. Since 2012, Professional has raised over $1 million to help the communities we serve.