Whiteford's Healthcare Law group advises healthcare entities (including managed care companies, hospitals, medical groups, e-health companies, insurance companies, pharmacy benefit managers, vision centers, practice management companies, ambulatory centers and other facilities) with respect to legal issues specific to the healthcare industry. Our Healthcare Law Group draws upon the diverse talents of attorneys firm-wide with experience in virtually every aspect of legal practice.
The Healthcare Law Group provides counsel on all aspects of health law ranging from fraud and abuse and corporate practice of medicine to government regulation and privacy. We counsel clients on HIPAA compliance as well as federal and state laws regulating managed care, Medicare and Medicaid. The Group also counsels and represents clients on matters related to compliance with anti-kickback statutes, self-referral legislation (the "Stark Law") and defending against False Claims Act actions. Our attorneys advise healthcare clients with respect to antitrust issues inherent in such matters as preferred provider organizations, joint venture arrangements and mergers and acquisitions.
In addition, the Healthcare Law Group provides guidance to insurance carriers and employers on health benefit plans. Our healthcare attorneys work closely with our Employee Benefits practice group to assist in the design of managed care mechanisms for employers and negotiations with direct contracting providers. Attorneys in the Healthcare Law Group routinely advise with respect to the laws relating to tax-exempt organizations and represent both tax-exempt organizations and for profit healthcare business in all types of business transactions, including, without limitation, joint ventures, mergers, corporate reorganizations, sales of business assets, stock or membership interests and numerous other types of transactions relating to or arising from the integrated delivery systems used to deliver healthcare services to the public.
Healthcare Litigation
Our Healthcare Litigation attorneys provide a wide array of litigation and consultative services to hospitals, pharmacy networks, physicians, dentists, HMOs, physician practice groups, nurses, mental health counselors, and nursing homes. These attorneys have defended practitioners, hospitals and healthcare groups in lawsuits before the Maryland Health Claims Arbitration Office and the federal and state trial courts throughout Maryland and the District of Columbia. The cases we are able to handle involve all healthcare specialties, including obstetrics and gynecology, neurosurgery, pediatrics, cardiothoracic surgery, transplant surgery, psychiatry, ophthalmology, oncology, radiology, urology, pathology, oral surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, nursing, geriatric care, and physical therapy.
In addition, we provide risk management counseling services to clients. These services include lectures, mock trials, and other presentations to insurance carriers and individual insureds as well as to hospital risk managers and departments and hospital medical staffs.
Our attorneys also represent physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in credentialing disputes and investigations and disciplinary actions before specialty boards. Our attorneys often are asked to assist physician groups and hospitals in formulating policies regarding retention and disclosure of medical records and other office practices that affect the potential risk/liability of the provider.
As employees approach age 65, it is important to provide them with clear, neutral information about their health coverage options—specifically, the choice between remaining on a company’s group health plan or enrolling in Medicare. The last quarter aligns with Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7) and employer open enrollment. This is the right time to provide compliant, neutral materials and host educational sessions. Position the communications as balanced guidance, not a cost-savings initiative tied to older employees’ coverage decisions. Below is a summary of compliance requirements and best practices to help companies navigate this process while avoiding legal pitfalls.
House Bill 938 was passed in the Maryland legislature and signed by the Governor into law on May 6, 2025. This bill requires the appointment of an alternate subscriber (resident) to the governing body of a continuing care provider that has only one subscriber(resident) on the governing body. It also authorizes the alternate member to attend all meetings of the governing body, and to vote only if the regular subscriber (resident) is unable to fulfill the subscriber's (resident’s) duties as a regular member of the governing body. The provider shall confer with the Resident Association before the alternate subscriber (resident) joins the governing body, and the alternate subscriber (resident) may report on nonconfidential matters, policies, deliberations, and actions of the governing body to the Resident Association in the same way as the current subscriber/resident who is on the governing body. This law becomes effective on January 1, 2026.
On January 23, 2025, the Fourth Circuit upheld an Advisory Opinion issued by the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services (“OIG”) that found a proposed drug subsidization program could violate the Anti-Kickback Statute.
For companies whose operations are subject to strict federal regulations – and particularly those that are facing or may be facing enforcement actions – take note. The U.S. Supreme Court may have just leveled the playing field. On Friday, June 28, 2024, the Supreme Court overturned a long-standing legal precedent that instructed courts to defer to federal agencies’ interpretations of ambiguous laws they administer. Instead, federal laws will be interpreted by the courts. Federal agencies will need to prove their cases, including enforcement actions where an arguably ambiguous statute is at issue. This is good news for businesses in the U.S.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final rule to amend its Health Breach Notification Rule (HBN Rule). The HBN Rule requires certain entities that handle unsecured personally identifiable health data to notify individuals, the FTC, and sometimes, the media of a breach of security.
In its recent ruling in U.S. v. Hathaway, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals provided additional authority that will be welcome to parties defending False Claims Act (“FCA”) matters based on the Anti-Kickback Statute (“AKS”).
The Court addressed two key points. First, it held that a violation of the AKS must be based on the payment of money or actual transfer of something of value. Second, it held that to prove a violation of the FCA, a relator must demonstrate but-for causation. In doing so, the Sixth Circuit has added another defendant-friendly ruling to the existing, and perhaps growing, circuit split.
The General Assembly adjourned on April 7, 2003 and the Session actively concluded when the Governor enacted legislation into State law during four separate signing ceremonies on April 8, April 22, May 13 and May 22. This year, as has been the case for the past several years, the Maryland Legislature was particularly active in the health care arena. The Legislature passed, and the Governor signed, a substantial number of important health care laws.
Health Occupations – Maryland Optometry Act – Replacement Contact Lenses – Clarifications and Modifications (SB 387) (10/01/03) - Prohibits a person from knowingly selling or dispensing contact lenses or replacement contact lenses without a valid and unexpired prescription or replacement contact lens prescription. A person who violates any provision shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000.
Each year the Maryland Legislature enacts a number of laws which impact in various degrees on the personal and business lives of people living in or doing business in the State of Maryland. The General Assembly adjourned on April 8, 2002, and the Session actively concluded when the Governor enacted legislation into State law during four separate signing ceremonies on April 9, April 25, May 6 and May 16.
This webinar highlights trending obstacles in healthcare recruitment, examines the legal considerations for mechanisms used to entice recruits, and provides practical tips for compliance with specific healthcare and employment laws.
Eric Atkinson represents healthcare providers in regulatory, civil and criminal litigation, with a particular focus on Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse.
As Co-Chair of Whiteford's Corporate & Securities Law Section, Dale Mullen leads a team that includes former attorneys general, Special Assistant United States Attorneys, regulatory board veterans and federal law clerks.
Whiteford is pleased to announce that “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2026. Twenty-three of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, with the firm’s Bankruptcy, Construction Litigation and Real Estate Litigation practices receiving national Tier 1 rankings.
83 lawyers from Whiteford have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026. The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Virginia and Washington, DC offices. Client comments are posted on the Best Lawyers website, at bestlawfirms.com.
Whiteford has announced that Clare Lewis has joined the firm as a Partner in Richmond. Ms. Lewis represents independent sponsors, private equity and venture capital fund investors, and emerging growth and middle market companies on mergers and acquisitions, equity financings, corporate governance, fund formations and other matters.
Whiteford is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again ranked the firm highly in its 2025 list of leading firms and business lawyers. This year’s recognition includes 31 attorneys in a record 15 practice areas at the National and State level.
Whiteford is pleased to announce that “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2025. Twenty-two of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, and the firm’s Bankruptcy, Construction and Labor & Employment litigation practices have been recognized with national Tier 1 rankings.
Whiteford is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again ranked the firm highly in its 2024 list of leading firms and business lawyers.
87 lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 (copyright 2023 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.). New practice areas of recognition include CleanTech Law and Entertainment and Sports Law. The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington offices. Client comments are posted on the Best Lawyers website, at bestlawfirms.com.
Whiteford is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again ranked the firm highly in its 2023 list of leading firms and business lawyers.
Whiteford, Taylor and Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2023.
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again ranked the firm highly in its 2022 list of leading firms and business lawyers. This year’s recognition includes 29 attorneys in 14 practice areas at the National and State level.
Whiteford, Taylor and Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2022. Twenty-one of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, and the firm’s bankruptcy and Construction Litigation practices have been recognized with national Tier 1 rankings. At the state level, new recognitions include Admiralty & Maritime Law, Nonprofit/Charities Law, Patent Law and Privacy and Data Security Law.
A record 75 lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2022 (copyright 2021 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.). The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington offices. Client comments are posted on the U.S. News & Best Lawyers web site, at bestlawfirms.com.
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again ranked the firm highly in its 2021 list of leading firms and business lawyers. This year’s recognition includes 25 attorneys in 11 practice areas in 3 states and the District of Columbia.
A record 71 lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2021 (copyright 2020 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.). The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington offices. Client comments are posted on the U.S. News & Best Lawyers web site, at bestlawfirms.com.
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again ranked the firm highly in its 2020 list of leading firms and business lawyers. This year’s recognition includes 23 attorneys in 10 practice areas in 3 states and the District of Columbia.
Whiteford, Taylor and Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2020. Twenty of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, including two bankruptcy practices with national Tier 1 rankings. At the state level, an additional forty-two practices have been ranked in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and VA.
64 lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2020. The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington offices. Client comments are posted on the U.S. News & Best Lawyers web site, at bestlawfirms.com.
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again ranked the firm highly in its 2019 list of leading firms and business lawyers.
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2019. Eighteen of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, including two practices with national Tier 1 rankings: Litigation and Bankruptcy. At the state level, an additional forty-six practices have been ranked in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and VA.
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again ranked the firm highly in its 2018 list of leading firms and business lawyers. This year’s recognition includes 29 attorneys in a record 12 practice areas in 4 states, the District of Columbia and Afghanistan.
Baltimore – Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that U.S. News and World Report - Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms” has awarded the firm exemplary rankings for 2018. Nineteen of the firm’s practices are ranked at the national level, including three practices with national Tier 1 rankings: Litigation, Bankruptcy and Real Estate. At the state level, an additional fifty practices have been ranked in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and VA.
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has once again ranked the firm highly in its 2017 list of leading firms and business lawyers. This year’s recognition includes a record 29 attorneys in 4 states, the District of Columbia and Afghanistan.
Whiteford Taylor & Preston announced today that prominent Maryland health care attorney Sigrid C. Haines has joined the firm as a partner in its Columbia and Baltimore offices. With decades of experience in health care and elder law, Ms. Haines is experienced representing hospitals, medical and health-related foundations, health care systems, nursing homes, home health agencies, physicians and pharmacies.
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that 41 of its attorneys are listed among the 2017 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in Maryland and Kentucky joining the sixteen who were listed earlier this year in Delaware, D.C., Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is pleased to announce that, in addition to ranking the firm highly in its 2016 list of Maryland’s leading firms and business lawyers, Chambers and Partners have added new Whiteford lawyers in Maryland and Delaware.
The practice group rankings are based on the high rankings of 21 individual lawyers.
Fifty-nine lawyers from Whiteford, Taylor & Preston have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2016 (copyright 2015 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken S.C.). The lawyers selected are based in the firm’s Maryland, Washington and Virginia offices.
Whiteford Taylor & Preston LLP is very gratified to announce that the firm has once again received exemplary ratings in the fifth annual U.S. News & World Report rankings of law firms.
Whiteford Taylor & Preston LLP is very gratified to announce that the firm has received exemplary ratings in the second annual U.S. News & World Report rankings of law firms. In Maryland, WTP was rated highly in 34 practice areas, more than any other firm in the state.
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