General Counsel

The General Counsel is responsible for the provision of legal services to support the ongoing strategic and operational initiatives of Meritus Health. Legal services include, without limitation: 1) legal management of all major business and strategic transactions; 2) internal contract review and administration; 3) regulatory review of all physician arrangements; 4) regulatory review of the organization’s financing arrangements, 5) oversight of real estate transactions, including leases; and 6) legal advice on a wide variety of issues, including employment related matters, medical staff issues, tax related matters, governance matters, regulatory and accreditation matters and patient care issues.

Reporting to the President & CEO, and serving as a member of the Senior Executive Team, the Vice President & General Counsel will collaborate with his/her peers to support the mission and vision of Meritus Health and ensure achievement of the organization’s strategic and operational goals.

Key Functions

Directly provide legal services, advice and support to the CEO, senior executives and other leaders within the organization.

Oversee the selection, retention, management and evaluation of all outside counsel.

Develop and implement a standardized system for contract review and administration, to include vendor contracts and all physician arrangements,

In coordination with Chief Compliance Officer, maintain awareness of and compliance with all applicable laws, company policies and procedures; promote organizational culture of compliance.

Provide legal advice and counsel to the CEO and senior executives on a wide variety of strategic and operation issues, including: transactional maters, fraud and abuse matters, employment matters, and accreditation, regulatory or patient care matters.

Provide guidance on issues of corporate governance; serve as Secretary of the Meritus Medical Center Board.

Qualifications

Must have a J.D. from an accredited law school. Must be admitted to a state bar (MD preferred) and be eligible to be admitted to the MD state bar.

Seven to ten (7 - 10) years of relevant experience as licensed attorney in the healthcare field. Prior General or Associate Counsel experience is highly desirable but candidates from a law firm and/or number two attorneys from hospitals/health systems will be given full consideration. Prior experience in a healthcare organization a plus.

Thorough understanding of the relevant areas of law applicable to the business including, without limitation, corporate and relevant healthcare laws.

Excellent interpersonal and writing skills, experience in drafting and negotiating agreements, strong problem solving capabilities, and a clear understanding of the lawyer's role as a legal and business advisor.

Extensive client contact and an ability to provide both senior management and operating personnel with sound and practical legal advice.

Ability to handle complex and multiple legal projects; experience establishing and maintaining the appropriate systems, processes, policies and procedures to run an effective and efficient legal department.