Health Care
Health Care
Our health care practice is one of California’s largest, having assisted providers in every segment of the health care industry with their legal needs for more than 65 years.
Health care is a complex and competitive field. As recognized experts in the issues that confront our clients, our attorneys are routinely called upon to serve clients in a wide variety of capacities. These include forming health provider entities; assisting in the business and regulatory aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and affiliations; obtaining and maintaining clients’ tax exemptions; negotiating with payors; and advising providers regarding the myriad laws regulating and restricting their ability to do business with other providers, payors, and vendors.
A substantial part of our practice involves issues arising from our clients’ operations. Examples are the state licensing laws and Medicare and Medi-Cal certification standards governing health care facilities; the privacy and security of electronic health information; compliance with federal and state laws prohibiting illegal referral fee arrangements, and advising regarding scope of practice issues.
Experience
- Corporate issues
- Tax and tax exemption matters at federal and state levels
- Tax-exempt bond financing
- Licensure
- Medicare and Medi-Cal certification
- Fraud and abuse
- Compliance plans
- Americans with Disabilities Act matters
- Professional contracts
- Managed care contracting
- Physician recruitment
- Payment/reimbursement
- Ancillary health services
- Medical staff credentialing, peer review, and QA activities
- Patient care issues
- Vendor relations
- Health information privacy and security
- Labor, employment, executive compensation, and employee benefits
Representative Clients
- Hospitals and hospital systems
- Physician groups
- Behavioral health providers
- Medical staffs
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Federally qualified health centers
- Home health agencies
- Hospices
- Air ambulance companies
- Health industry trade associations
- Integrated delivery systems
Key Contacts
News & Resources
U.S. v. Inland Empire Health Plan Will Be Major Test for DOJ’s FCA Theory Based on Expenditure of Medicaid Adult Expansion Funds
In an American Health Law Association Bulletin, author Stefan Chacon examines United States v. Inland Empire Health Plan, a case that may become a significant test of the U.S. Department of Justice’s False Claims Act (FCA) theory related to the use of Medicaid Adult Expansion funds. The article analyzes the government’s allegations that Inland Empire Health Plan improperly retained excess Medicaid funds in violation of federal requirements, reviews similar prior enforcement actions, and explains why the scope and potential financial exposure in this case make it particularly consequential for healthcare plans and providers.
New California Law Will Allow Physicians to Supervise More Physician Assistants
California Assembly Bill 1501 will allow physicians to supervise up to 8 physician assistants (PAs) at a time in any health care setting as of January 1, 2026
New California Law Provides Protections Regarding Immigration Information and Immigration Enforcement in Healthcare Settings
SB 81 includes patient immigration status as medical information under California confidentiality laws and limits ICE enforcement activities in healthcare settings.
Don’t Get Caught Off Guard: Section 111 Audit Readiness
After a year lead time, audits of Section 111 reporting compliance will begin starting October 11, 2025 for the prior reporting year. Parties/providers settling claims with Medicare beneficiaries (called Responsible Reporting Entities – RREs) must be prepared, because organizations that fail to meet their reporting obligations can now face Civil Money Penalties (CMPs).
Hanson Bridgett Launches San Diego Expansion with Addition of Health Care Partner Natalie Mueller
SAN DIEGO – July 14, 2025 – Hanson Bridgett LLP is deepening its health care bench and expanding its statewide reach with the addition of Natalie V. Mueller as a partner. Mueller’s addition coincides with the launch of the firm’s official presence in San Diego and a forthcoming office.
CMS Announces Care Compare Changes That Could Lead to Major Five-Star Impacts for Certain SNFs
On June 18th CMS published new guidance announcing a major change to the way Care Compare will display survey information and the methodology for calculating the health inspection score for Five Star ratings.
Update: CMS Appeals Ruling Vacating Key Provisions of the Staffing Mandate
On June 6, 2025, CMS appealed the ruling from the Northern District of Texas, that vacated two key provisions of CMS’s 2024 Final Rule staffing mandate.
Pharmacy License Applications: New Requirement for Pharmacy PICs – Effective April 1, 2025
Beginning April 1, 2025 new pharmacists in charge are required to complete a continuing education course available on the CA Board of Pharmacy’s website.
Peer Review by Licentiates Only: Beware Health Care Service Plans!
While California law makes clear that peer review must be performed by licentiates, the California Court of Appeal recently emphasized that the only exception applies to governing bodies of acute care hospitals. Other peer review bodies, such as health care service plans, must ensure that peer review actions are taken by licentiates.
Federal Judge Vacates Key Provisions of CMS’s Nursing Home Staffing Mandate
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas vacated two key provisions of CMS’s 2024 nationwide staffing mandate, the requirements that SNFs have a registered nurse onsite 24/7 and the onerous federal minimum staffing ratios.
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