Danielle Tangorre Alerts Labs to Changes as PHE Ends in G2 Intelligence

Health Law Group lawyer Danielle H. Tangorre authored the article, “4 Things to Know About the End of the COVID-19 PHE,” published in G2 Intelligence on May 31, 2023. In the article, Danielle points out numerous issues that will be impacted by the termination of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) that officially ended on May 11, 2023. They include the End of HIPAA Flexibilities, COVID-19 testing, Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Waivers, and Remote Review of Laboratory Data and Pathology Digital Reads. Danielle suggests that, “as the PHE terminates and the pandemic-era flexibilities come to an end, laboratories should review their current policies and procedures and take appropriate steps to implement compliance.” Read the article.

2023 Chambers USA Recognizes 22 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in Eight Practice Areas

In its 2023 edition, the legal directory Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized 22 Robinson+Cole lawyers, including one that has been recognized nationwide. In addition, the firm received rankings in eight practice area categories that the publication covers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Read more in the press release.

Yelena Greenberg and Sapna Jain Co-Author SHRM Article on Strategies to Address Nursing Shortages

Health Law Group lawyer Yelena Greenberg and Labor and Employment Group lawyer Sapna Jain co-authored the article, “Legal Considerations When Addressing Health Care Staffing Shortages,” published by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) on May 23, 2023. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, significant numbers of healthcare workers have left the industry, leaving hospitals and health care systems between a rock and a hard place – having to continue patient care while maintaining compliance with state and federal health care regulations and, remaining financially solvent. In their article, the authors explore different strategies hospitals and health care systems have tried – including traveling nurses, internal staffing models and data driven targeted hiring and recruitment – and the health care and employment law implications of each. These challenges have forced hospitals and health care systems to adapt and innovate in order to succeed. Evaluating hospitals’ financial conditions and competing risks can help determine which approach is best. Read the article.

Les Levinson Quoted in Hospice News on Industry M&A Downturn in Early 2023

Robinson+Cole’s Transactional Health Law Group Co-Chair Leslie J. Levinson was quoted in the article, “Hospice M&A Takes Downturn in Early 2023, May Rebound in Second Half of the Year,” published in Hospice News on May 23, 2023. With approximately 14 transactions reported during the first quarter of 2023, “less than a handful” were hospice deals. Representing a slow start to the year, one industry commentator reported this was a result of a “glut of activity in 2021 and 2022.” Les explained that among the reasons for the downturn are “resurgent interest in home health assets, as well as spiking operational and labor costs.”  However, he explained that “As we get deeper into Q2 and beyond, parties needing or wanting to deploy capital in this space will likely become more visible, leading to more transactions being completed before year-end, albeit with some adjustment in pricing as buyers factor in their increased cost of capital and strategies to deal with labor recruitment and retention—both of which will remain issues at least in the near term…“However, hospice prices and multiples continued to rise for many properties, and remain stable for others, even if they experienced some operational or other challenges.” Les suggested that “looking at historical trends can provide a good sense of where interest in the industry is headed in 2023. For instance, some buyers and sellers held off on deals during the pandemic, which might fuel “pent up demand” in a post-COVID landscape.” Read the article.

Danielle Tangorre Quoted in G2 Intelligence Article on Recent DOJ Enforcement Actions

Comments from Health Law Group lawyer Danielle H. Tangorre closed the article “Urine Drug & Genetic Testing Remain Top Enforcement Targets,” published in G2 Intelligence on May 3, 2023. While there had been a lull in laboratory-related enforcement actions early in 2023, several high-profile cases recently announced by the U.S. Department of Justice involved unnecessary urine drug or genetic testing. This telegraphed that fraud involving toxicology labs remains a top priority for enforcement agencies, however, genetic testing-related fraud also continues to be a target. Danielle points out that the relative lack of COVID-19-related announcements up to April 20 doesn’t mean this area isn’t still important to enforcement agencies, but more likely reflects the fact that many such cases are still in “their investigative infancy.” She also notes that “the DOJ has tended to coordinate law enforcement actions related to COVID-19 healthcare fraud across multiple districts, often leading to delayed announcements,” citing the department’s April 20 announcement as a recent example. Read the article.

Les Levinson Quoted in Home Health Care News on Remaining Questions About Ownership Transparency Data

Robinson+Cole’s Transactional Health Law Group Co-Chair Leslie J. Levinson was quoted in the article, “Home Health Ownership Transparency May Help Buyers Identify Targets More Easily, But Questions About Accuracy Remain,” published in Home Health Care News (HHCN) on May 22, 2023. Last month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that for the first time ever, they were releasing ownership data for all Medicare-certified home health and hospice agencies. While HHS says this is an effort to increase transparency for consumers in the process of making health and home care decisions, some anticipate the data may impact M&A activity in the industry.

In their latest article on the issue, HHCN spoke with six home health stakeholders — including providers, dealmaking experts and policy experts — who offered their thoughts on what this ownership data means for the industry at large. As a trusted and frequently quoted source for comment, Les suggested, “Anecdotally, this may just become another data point in the overall information mix. However, as the volume of mandated ownership information begins to accumulate and is analyzed, it may provide some additional insights into consolidation patterns and deal appetite in certain markets, and also serve to validate rumors or other ʻsoftʼ information circulating in the marketplace regarding ownership. It will also be interesting to see if the availability of this information, in the coming months, helps make acquisition activity somewhat more efficient or impacts overall transaction volume, particularly in the lower mid-market where deal flow does not get the same kind of coverage and visibility as more high- profile transactions. It will be useful to circle back on this in 9- 12 months to see if, and to what extent, this data is being used in practice.” Read the article.

Lisa Thompson Reappointed to American Health Law Association Dispute Resolution Service Council

Health Law Group lawyer Melissa (Lisa) Thompson has been re-appointed by the American Health Law Association (AHLA) to serve a two-year term as a member of the AHLA Dispute Resolution Service Council effective July 1, 2023. The Council, established in 1992, advises and assists the AHLA in developing and promoting dispute resolution services and educational programs that benefit members and non-members alike. The AHLA, the nation’s largest, nonpartisan, nonprofit educational organization devoted to legal issues in the health care field, maintains a panel of skilled neutrals for arbitration, mediation and peer review. In addition to serving on the Council, Lisa also participates as an arbitrator and mediator on AHLA’s national roster. The mission of AHLA is to provide a forum for interaction and information exchange to enable its members to serve their clients more effectively; to produce the highest quality non-partisan educational programs, products, and services concerning health law issues; and to serve as a public resource on selected health care legal issues.

Kate Healy and Conor Duffy Co-Author American Health Law Association Article on “What’s Next for Telehealth?”

Health Law Group lawyers Kate Healy and Conor Duffy co-authored the article, “Compliance Corner—The End of the Public Health Emergency: What’s Next for Telehealth?” published in the May issue of Health Law Connections, the member magazine of the American Health Law Association. The article points out that COVID-19 has driven increased telehealth access and technology-based health care services, but after grappling with the challenges imposed by the pandemic, health care organizations must now prepare for the upcoming end of the public health emergency and the resulting new regulatory landscape. Kate and Conor highlight key legal and compliance issues affecting the delivery and reimbursement of these services going forward. The article offers key takeaways for health care organizations including the development of: policies for telehealth services for 2023 and 2024, an annual telehealth training for providers and staff, and effective methods for blending in-person and virtual care delivery. Kate and Conor were assisted on this article by Health Law Group intern Paul Sevigny. Read the full article.

Yelena Greenberg and Sapna Jain Co-Author Massachusetts Bar Association Article on COVID-Related Staffing Shortages

Health Law Group lawyer Yelena Greenberg and Labor and Employment Group lawyer Sapna Jain co-authored the article, “Addressing COVID-Related Staffing Shortages,” published as part of the MBA Section Review in the March/April issue of the Massachusetts Bar Association’s (MBA) eJournal. The article points out that health care staffing continues to be a challenge for hospitals and health care system across the country due to staff burnout from COVID-19, among other issues, heavily limiting service lines and volumes of services hospitals are able to offer. Yelena and Sapna cover several, cost-effective, long-term solutions that support retention and recruitment of the hospital workforce. The article outlines strategies and key factors that may impact the effectiveness of these solutions. Yelena and Sapna will also be presenting an informative webinar by the same name hosted by the MBA on May 10, 2023. Read the full article.

Danielle Tangorre Warns High Billing Labs Could Trigger Audits for G2 Intelligence

Health Law Group lawyer Danielle H. Tangorre discussed the continuing focus by regulating agencies on the clinical lab industry in her article “High Billing by Labs Continues to Be Trigger for Audits,” featured in the "National Lab Reporter" section of G2 Intelligence, on February 13, 2023. In the article, Danielle explains that the themes and take-aways of the December 2022 reports issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General are not necessarily new, as they continue the refrain from the regulating agencies that laboratories need to be mindful of compliance when it comes to billing. A lack of medical necessity, not upcoding, and being careful about bundling tests are concerns of the regulators and engaging in such conduct may signal that a laboratory is engaged in fraud, waste, and abuse. With an eye toward how this is likely to play out in 2023, Danielle suggests that as continued analysis is performed by regulatory agencies, laboratories should expect a continued focus and potential for audits particularly focused on COVID-19 tests and genetic testing. As there was a significant increase in spending by the government and presumably other payors, it is reasonable to expect a renewed focus on such increase. Laboratories should be diligent in a review of their claims and the analysis of medical necessity, upcoding, bundling, and overall billing compliance. Read the full article.

Les Levinson Shares 2023 M&A Outlook for Home-Based Care Deals in Home Health Care News

Robinson+Cole Transactional Health Care Group Co-Chair Leslie J. Levinson was quoted in the article, ”‘Pipeline Has Been As Full As Ever’: Amedisys, AccentCare Share M&A Outlooks,” published in Home Health Care News on February 13, 2023.According to the Article, “In 2022, 99 home-based care deals and 38 hospice deals took place.” With numerous players all eyeing home-based care sellers, M&A activity in this space looks strong again for 2023. “We think the growth pattern is going to continue, and certainly in the mid- to upper-mid market,” Les said during a panel discussion at the Homecare 100 Executive Leadership conference in January. Read the full article.

Conor Duffy Named to First Choice Health Centers’ Board of Directors

Health Law Group member, Conor O. Duffy, has been named to the Board of Directors of First Choice Health Centers, Inc., based in East Hartford, CT. As a community health center providing integrated care, the mission of First Choice is “to break down the social and economic barriers to wellness and healthy living.”  

Robinson+Cole Health Law Group Among ABA Health Law Section 2021-2022 Top 10 Law Firms

Robinson+Cole’s Health Law Group received a seventh place ranking in the Northeast region among the 2021-2022 Top 10 Law Firms as recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA) Health Law Section. The Tenth Annual Regional Law Firm Recognition List highlights those firms “answering the call to professionalism and addressing the complex issues of their clients through their attorney involvement in the Health Law Section.” The top ten health care law firms are listed by geographic region based on Section lawyer membership as of August 31, 2022. More information on the Section's web page.

Les Levinson Quoted in Home Health Care News on the Valuation Gap in M&A

Robinson+Cole Transactional Health Law Group Co-Chair Leslie J. Levinson was quoted in the article “How A Valuation Gap Between Buyers, Sellers In Home-Based Care is Affecting M&A,” published in Home Health Care News (HHCN) on November 15, 2022. The article examines how rising staffing costs and anticipated “unfavorable reimbursement dynamics” which have however in the near term ameliorated, have resulted in a buyer-seller valuation gap in the home health care space. After a record-breaking year in 2021 for M&A in home-based care, this year has seen some decline in deal activity although the long-term outlook is still positive.

“I definitely think that thereʼs a carryover from last year when valuation was very, very strong and expectations were that sellers were going to be rewarded with strong value,’ Les Levinson…told HHCN. ‘That certainly has moderated a bit. However, you will always find some set of sellers who for personal, strategic or other reasons, do need to transact.'"

To narrow that valuation gap, Les said agencies should be living in the “batten down the hatches” period. "If youʼre a seller whoʼs not really sure what to do in the short term, you can use this time productively and wisely, particularly if you are looking to transact at some point when some of the clouds sift away,’ Levinson said. ’Now may be the time when you have greater visibility as to what a transaction might look like for you from a valuation perspective, and when it would be reasonable to think you could conclude that.’”

In term of what this means from a deal flow perspective, “I feel like weʼre going to be reasonably flat out through the end of the year,’ Levinson said." Subscribers can read the article here.

Danielle Tangorre Quoted in Dark Daily Article Highlighting Four Regulatory Developments on the Horizon for Clinical Labs

Health Law Group lawyer Danielle H. Tangorre was quoted in the article, “Four Regulatory Developments Coming This Fall That Are Relevant for Clinical Laboratory Leaders and Pathology Group Managers,” published in DarkDaily on October 31, 2022. A number of federal bills and regulations are anticipated this fall that could potentially affect how laboratory managers and staff do their jobs and how much Medicare reimbursement medical laboratories receive for certain diagnostic tests next year. Following the federal indictment in July of 13 defendants for alleged genetic testing and telemedicine fraud, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG) issued a warning about telemedicine fraud and identified seven “suspect characteristics” of telemedicine that could point to fraudulent Medicare billing.

“In the telehealth space, the issue the OIG has flagged is that genetic tests are being ordered without patient interaction or with only brief telephone conversations,” Danielle said. “Clinical laboratories need to make sure that they have proper requisitions and documentation for genetic testing that involves telemedicine.” Read the article.

Robinson+Cole Receives 43 First-Tier Metropolitan Rankings and Four National Rankings in Latest U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms”

Robinson+Cole received 43 first-tier metropolitan rankings, including 30 in the city of Hartford, in the 2023 Edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” Law firms included in the publication are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.

Robinson+Cole also received four national rankings: Tier 1 ranking for Land Use & Zoning Law, Tier 2 rankings for Information Technology Law and Real Estate Law, and a Tier 3 ranking in Labor Law - Management. Read more in the press release. 

Conor Duffy Quoted in Law360 Article on Pfizer Lawsuit and the Anti-Kickback Statute

Health Law Group lawyer Conor O. Duffy was quoted in the Law360 article “Pfizer Gives Justices Rare Shot At Scrutinizing Kickback Ban,” published on October 14, 2022. The article examines the federal Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) and recent interpretations by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, a New York federal judge and the federal Office of Inspector General. Following defeats at the district and circuit court level, Pfizer is “forging ahead” with a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court, asserting that the fraud-fighting AKS has been given “nearly limitless” reach and that recent governmental interpretations threaten a wide swath of commonplace arrangements involving health care organizations.

The case arises from a challenge to an OIG advisory opinion brought by Pfizer in connection with a co-payment assistance program for patients needing a rare drug manufactured by Pfizer. After the OIG signaled it would not issue a favorable Advisory Opinion, Pfizer sought to challenge the government in court under the Administrative Procedure Act. Pfizer “actually was given an opportunity to withdraw the request before receiving an unfavorable opinion,” said Duffy, who is among those following the closely-watched case, “so Pfizer may, in part, have been looking for an opportunity to challenge that enforcement trend.” The article notes that such “speculation is further reinforced by the company’s petition,” stating that “pharmaceutical manufacturers have acquiesced billions of dollars in FCA settlements,” in reference to False Claims Act enforcements involving alleged charitable assistance from drug makers, because “penalties for violating the AKS are too draconian to fight.” Subscribers can read the article here.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in 2022 Super Lawyers®

A total of 39 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island for 2022. In addition, 30 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

Jeffrey J. White was named to the Top 50: 2022 Connecticut Super Lawyers list. Linda L. Morkan appears on the Top 25: 2022 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list and, similarly, Natalie D. Ramsey was included in the Top 50: 2022 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. Read more in the press release.

Danielle Tangorre Quoted in The Dark Report Suggests OIG Report and LCDs as Guidance for Labs

Health Law Group lawyer Danielle H. Tangorre was quoted in the article, “Attorney Advises Labs to Track Genetic Test LCDs,” published in The Dark Report on September 19, 2022. The article considers what guidance exists for clinical labs following the nationwide Department of Justice takedown in July and the indictment of telehealth providers, labs, medical equipment companies, and pharmacies around the country. “Labs need to keep on top of the coverage determinations,” Danielle emphasized. “In the infectious disease testing space, an LCD (local coverage determination) went into effect recently which lists specific criteria for who can order the test…These LCDs include specific criteria for when the test is appropriate and when it’s medically necessary.” Danielle also suggested that labs consult a July 2022 Special Fraud Alert from the Office of the Attorney General. “…the OIG alert outlines seven characteristics of telemedicine that might point to fraud…Looking at the suspect characteristics is a great way for labs to review compliance…the OIG has flagged tests that physicians ordered without patient interaction or with only brief telephonic conversations. Labs must ensure that when they submit the bills and attest to the accuracy of the billing, that the test has been properly ordered.” Read the article.

Robinson+Cole Recognized by Benchmark Litigation

Robinson+Cole was again ranked as a “highly recommended” firm in Connecticut in the 2023 edition of Benchmark Litigation – an industry guide to the world's leading litigation law firms and lawyers. The firm also received a “recommended” ranking in the area of labor & employment.

The following Robinson+Cole lawyers earned a litigation star honor: Wystan M. Ackerman, Bradford S. Babbitt, Patrick W. Begos,  Joseph L. Clasen, Gerald P. Dwyer Jr., Edward J. Heath, Linda L. Morkan, Rhonda J. Tobin, Theodore J. Tucci, James A. Wade and Jeffrey J. White. This past August, Robinson+Cole Managing Partner Rhonda Tobin was also named one of Benchmark Litigation‘s Top 250 Women in Litigation for 2022 for the ninth consecutive year. She was the only female litigator chosen in the state of Connecticut for 2022. In addition, Stephen W. Aronson and Rachel V. Kushel received the “Labor & Employment Star” recognition in the fifth edition of Benchmark Labor & Employment. Read more in the press release.

Conor Duffy and Ben Daniels Author Article on Second Circuit Interpretation of the Anti-Kickback Statute for Physicians Practice

Health Law Group member Conor O. Duffy and Business Litigation Group member Benjamin M. Daniels authored the article “Second Circuit affirms HHS rejection of direct copayment assistance under anti-kickback statute,” published in Physicians Practice on September 16, 2022. The article examines the recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit that rejected an appeal brought by Pfizer, Inc., regarding possible violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS). The decision addressed a proposed direct copayment assistance program where reimbursements would go directly to the patient looking to buy Pfizer’s own drugs. The Second Circuit upheld the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) interpretation of the AKS as prohibiting the arrangement, which reiterates for health care organizations the importance of adhering to HHS guidance concerning federal fraud and abuse laws. The decision also emphasizes the government’s continued concerns with patient copayment assistance programs associated with pharmaceutical manufacturers that can directly influence purchases of the manufacturers’ drugs. This decision represents an important affirmation of HHS’ interpretive authority over the scope of the AKS and implicitly reinforces recent HHS guidance. Read the article.

74 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2023

74 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2023. Of the 74 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 54 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law insurance law and construction litigation. Only the top 5.3 percent of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Additionally, the following five lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Brian R. Smith in Land Use and Zoning Law, Christine E. Bromberg in Tax Law, James P. Ray in Litigation – Environmental, Joey Lee Miranda in Energy Regulatory Law, Norman H. Roos in Banking and Finance Law, Rachel V. Kushel in Employment Law – Management, Theodore J. Tucci in  Health Care Law and Virginia E. McGarrity – in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law.

The third edition of Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch” was also released, includes 23 Robinson+Cole lawyers. The “Ones to Watch” recognition is given to attorneys early in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. The firm has the highest number of lawyers to receive this designation in Hartford, Connecticut. Read more in the press release.

Danielle Tangorre Quoted in G2 Intelligence Article Offering Lessons for Labs Following DOJ Takedown

Health Law Group lawyer Danielle H. Tangorre was quoted in the article “Compliance Lessons for Labs Following Massive Takedown,” published in G2 Intelligence on August 3, 2022. The article examines some steps labs may want to take in the aftermath of the 2022 National Health Care Fraud Enforcement Action, a nationwide Department of Justice (DOJ) takedown that ensnared telehealth providers, laboratories, medical equipment companies, and pharmacies. Danielle also suggests that labs refer to the Special Fraud Alert issued by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services following the DOJ’s action, to determine what sort of relationships may be problematic moving forward. Read the article.

Natale DiNatale to Lead Massachusetts Bar Association Health Law Section Council

Labor Relations Group chair Natale V. DiNatale has been appointed by the Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA) to serve as Chair of its Health Law Section Council for the 2022-2023 association year. Natale has previously served on the Council, most recently in the role of Vice Chair for 2021-2022 and 2020-2021, and is a speaker for the MBA. The Health Law Section provides a discussion platform to improve the professional competence of attorneys dealing with health care issues through seminars and publications; strives to bring together all members interested in the practice and delivery of health care.

Melissa (Lisa) Thompson Recognized by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly as a “Go To” Life Science/Health Care Lawyer

Health Law Group lawyer Melissa (Lisa) Thompson was recognized as a “Massachusetts Go To Lawyer” in the area of Life Science/Health Care by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (MLW) and was profiled in a special section published in the May 30, 2022 edition. The “Massachusetts Go To Lawyers” feature was debuted by MLW in 2020 to showcase leaders in the Massachusetts legal community by practice area. A “Go To Lawyer” is: an expert in his or her field; a senior attorney well-versed in case law, statutes and regulations; experienced, with a record of success in cases and/or transactions; a lawyer to whom other lawyers make referrals because of his or her expertise and accomplishments and a lawyer who can think creatively and identify all options for a client. View the special section.

2022 Chambers USA Recognizes 19 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in 10 Practice Areas

In its 2022 edition, the legal directory Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized 19 Robinson+Cole lawyers, including one that has been recognized nationwide. In addition, the firm received rankings in seven practice area categories that the publication covers in Connecticut. Read more in the press release.

Melissa (Lisa) Thompson Recognized as a Fellow in the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)

Health Law Group lawyer Melissa (Lisa) Thompson has been recognized as a Fellow in the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb). The CIArb is an international center of excellence for the practice and profession of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). 

In addition to this prestigious certification, Lisa serves on the American Arbitration Association’s (AAA) Master Mediator Panel and is an international and domestic arbitrator on the AAA’s Commercial, Life Sciences and Health Care panels. She is an arbitrator with the American Health Law Association (AHLA) and serves in a leadership capacity on their Dispute Resolution Service Council.  She is also a member of the Advisory Committee for the Boston International Arbitration Council (BIAC).

Robinson+Cole Health Law Group Among ABA Health Law Section 2020-2021 Top 10 Law Firms

Robinson+Cole’s Health Law Group received a ninth place ranking in the Northeast region among the 2020-2021 Top 10 Law Firms as recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA) Health Law Section. The Ninth Annual Regional Law Firm Recognition List highlights those firms “answering the call to professionalism and addressing the complex issues of their clients through their attorney involvement in the Health Law Section.” The top ten health care law firms are listed by geographic region based on Section lawyer membership as of August 31, 2021. More information on the Section's web page.

Robinson+Cole Continues Growth in Boston with the Addition of Partners in Health Care and Insurance

Robinson+Cole announces the addition of Kathleen G. Healy in its Health Law Group and Health Care Industry Team, and Matthew M. Burke in the firm’s Insurance + Reinsurance Group. Healy joins from Verrill Dana LLP and Burke joins from Robins Kaplan LLP. Both are partners resident in Robinson+Cole’s Boston office.

“We are excited to welcome Kate and Matt to Robinson+Cole,” said Rhonda J. Tobin, Robinson+Cole’s Managing Partner. “They are talented and successful lawyers who bring significant experience, expertise and depth to some of our most strategic practices. They are natural fits for our strong health care and insurance teams. Adding Kate and Matt furthers our strategic plan by continuing our growth in large commercial centers and in some of our most high-profile practices.” Read more in the press release and in articles published in the Boston Business Journal and Law360.

Lisa Thompson Selected as American Arbitration Association Master Mediator

Congratulations to Melissa (Lisa) Thompson, a member of the firm’s Health Law Group, Government Investigations, and Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team, who has been selected to the American Arbitration Association’s (AAA) Master Mediator Panel. The unique panel was established several years ago by the AAA in conjunction with lawyers who handle large complex disputes and is comprised of top mediators as rated by counsel. Master Mediators are selected utilizing a rating committee made up of a diverse group of advocates and in-house counsel who represent clients in complex, high stakes disputes. Lisa is currently an international and domestic arbitrator on the AAA’s Commercial, Life Sciences, and Health Care panels. She also serves on the Dispute Resolution Council of the American Health Law Association and is on its arbitration and mediation panels.

Danielle Tangorre Authors Legal Update on Changing Requirements for COVID-19 Testing

Health Law Group member, Danielle H. Tangorre, authored the Legal Update “COVID-19 Testing – Additional Considerations,” published on December 1, 2021. The article addresses the various state and federal regulations that were modified or suspended at the start of the pandemic to enable authorities to “suspend or modify various laws, rules, and regulations to accommodate and focus on efforts to respond to the pandemic.” She focused on the laboratory sector and accommodations that were necessary in response to the pandemic related to COVID-19 testing procedures, many of which now “have ceased and the laws, rules and regulations that laboratories relied on during the pandemic are no longer applicable.” Read the full Legal Update here. 

Robinson+Cole Receives 40 First-Tier Metropolitan Rankings and Four National Rankings in Latest U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms”

Robinson+Cole received 40 first-tier metropolitan rankings, including 28 in the city of Hartford, in the 2022 Edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” Law firms included in the publication are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.

Robinson+Cole also received four national rankings: Tier 1 ranking for Land Use & Zoning Law, Tier 2 rankings for Information Technology Law and Real Estate Law, and a Tier 3 ranking in Labor Law - Management. Read more in the press release. 

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

A total of 42 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island for 2021. In addition, 29 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

Bruce B. Barth and Jeffrey J. White were named to the Top 50: 2021 Connecticut Super Lawyers list. Linda L. Morkan appears on the Top 25: 2021 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list and, similarly, Natalie D. Ramsey was included in the Top 50: 2021 Women Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. Read more in the press release.

Danielle Tangorre Quoted in 360Dx Article on EKRA Compliance

Health Law Group lawyer Danielle H. Tangorre was quoted in the article “Recent Prosecutions Give Labs Insight Into DOJ's Use of Opioid Bill's Anti-Kickback Statute,” published in 360Dx on August 19, 2021. The article examines whether the passage of the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act (EKRA) of 2018, which was meant to outlaw patient brokering in the addiction treatment industry, criminalized common lab business practices such as paying sales staff on commission or placing phlebotomists in physician offices for sample collection. Danielle noted that while EKRA was written with the opioid crisis in mind, a recent case of a New York physician who was indicted for violations of several laws including EKRA as part of a scheme in which he solicited payments in exchange for referring pharmacogenetic testing to a pair of laboratories suggests it will be used to prosecute fraud in other areas, as well — genetic testing, for instance. "We were hoping for regulations or a fix for [the law] to be made more narrow, but we haven't seen that, and, instead, the cases are showing a broader applicability of how the [US Department of Justice] is using EKRA," [she] said. Danielle added that “while some labs outside the toxicology space might have been on the fence as to whether they needed to change their practices to comply with the law, ‘we can now point to these cases and say, you're a clinical lab, you need to be concerned about EKRA and how you conduct your business, whether it is how you structure your sales and marketing or how you address your pricing models. Labs need to think about it as they would any other statute.’" Launched in 2016, 360Dx covers emerging economic and technological trends in the clinical diagnostic market. Subscribers can read the article.

Danielle Tangorre Named to 2021 Upstate New York Super Lawyers® Rising Stars List

Health Law Group lawyer Danielle H. Tangorre has been named to the 2021 Upstate New York Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list. The Super Lawyers® designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas. The selection process for the Rising Stars list is the same as the Super Lawyers selection process, with one exception: to be eligible for inclusion in Rising Stars, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less. While up to five percent of the lawyers in the state are named to Super Lawyers, no more than 2.5 percent are named to the Rising Stars list. An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here.

65 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022

65 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022. Of the 65 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 49 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law and insurance law.

Additionally, the following five lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Patrick M. Birney in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Michael F. Maglio in Banking and Finance Law, Robert S. Melvin in Environmental Law, Joey Lee Miranda in Energy Law and Jacqueline Pennino Scheib in Trademark Law. Peter V. Lacouture was also named a Best Lawyers® 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in Providence, Rhode Island in the area of Energy Law.

The second edition of Best Lawyers: “Ones to Watch” was also released, of which 17 total Robinson+Cole lawyers are listed in. The “Ones to Watch” recognition is given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. Read more in the press release.

Conor Duffy and Seth Orkand Author Medical Economics Article on Telehealth Waivers Creating Provider Compliance Concerns

Health Law Group member Conor O. Duffy and Business Litigation Group member Seth B. Orkand authored the article “Telehealth confusion could create issues for physicians” published in Medical Economics on July 27, 2021. The article addresses measures the federal government and states enacted in response to COVID-19 to promote adoption of telehealth, and how inconsistent regulations across states have created compliance challenges for telehealth providers and health systems. As the government now commences audits of telehealth services, providers who practiced across state lines may be subject to heightened scrutiny. As COVID-19 emergency measures begin to be rescinded or expire, health systems and providers are now working hard to implement compliant telehealth structures that maintain access to care in accordance with the latest guidance. Conor and Seth address those efforts and identify potential fraud and enforcement risks for telehealth providers and mitigation strategies for such providers. Read the full article.

Robinson+Cole Expands Health Law Practice with Partner Addition in New York

Robinson+Cole is pleased to announce the addition of Danielle H. Tangorre as a partner in the firm’s Health Law Group. Danielle represents and advises a broad range of health care providers and trade associations on transactional matters, litigation, operational and compliance issues, fraud and abuse, HIPAA, and regulatory matters. Her addition expands Robinson+Cole’s legal practice in Albany, New York, where the firm also has a significant government relations practice.

“Danielle has impressive experience and I’m delighted to welcome her to our team,” said Rhonda J. Tobin, Managing Partner, Robinson+Cole. “Continuing to expand the depth and geographical diversity of our health law practice is another step in the execution of our strategic plan to expand some of our strongest practices in our most strategic locations. The firm continues to look for growth opportunities in these practices, as well as in the large commercial centers where we have offices, including New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Wilmington and Miami.” Read more in the press release.

Danielle Tangorre Presents Webinar on EKRA Compliance

Health Law Group lawyer Danielle H. Tangorre presented during the client, Lighthouse Lab Services', webinar, "How to Keep Your Lab EKRA Compliant" on July 28, 2021. The program offered an overview of compensation arrangements barred under the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act (EKRA), including safe harbor exceptions, how the law interacts with and differs from the Anti-Kickback Statute, and alternative compensation strategies for sales and marketing employees.

Chambers USA Recognizes 19 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in 10 Practice Areas

In its 2021 edition, the legal directory Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized 19 Robinson+Cole lawyers, including one that has been recognized nationwide. In addition, the firm received rankings in seven practice area categories that the publication covers in Connecticut. Read more in the press release.

Transactional Health Law Team Represents Visiting Nurse Association and BlackTree/Simione in Recent Deals

Robinson+Cole’s Transactional Health Law Group, led by co-chair Leslie J. Levinson, represented Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), a 125-year-old nonprofit in Omaha, NE and Council Bluffs, IA in the purchase of its home health and hospice operations by Amedisys, a leading national provider of home health, hospice, and personal care. Les served as prime counsel and led the team of Michael J. Kearney, Ryan V. Leichsenring, Virginia E. McGarrity, Kathryn M. Rattigan, Conor O. Duffy, Samuel C. Maduabueke and R+C alum Adam Tamzoke. The transaction is expected to close on or around July 1, 2021. Read more in the VNA press release.

In addition, the Transactional Health Law Group represented Connecticut-based Simione Healthcare Consultants and Pennsylvania-based BlackTree Healthcare Consulting in the execution of “a strategic and equal combination” to form SimiTree Healthcare Consulting. SimiTree will help post-acute healthcare organizations achieve clinical and financial excellence through consulting, outsourcing, and talent solutions. The merger is backed by Chicago-based health care PE firm Sheridan Capital, which focuses on lower-middle market buyouts and growth equity in the U.S. and Canada. Les led the team of Adam Anderson, Shant H. Chalian, Michael Kearney, Eric M. Kogan, Virginia McGarrity, Endicott Peabody IV, Kathryn Rattigan, Frank W. Eucalitto, and Michael G. Lisitano. Read more in Home Health Care News.

Connecticut Law Tribune Honors Seven Robinson+Cole Lawyers During Connecticut Legal Awards

The Connecticut Law Tribune recognized Robinson+Cole lawyers Stephen E. Goldman, Lina M. Morkan, John B. Lynch, Jr., Gregory J. Bennici, Conor O. Duffy, Emilee Mooney Scott, and Jennifer L. Shanley during the publication’s annual Connecticut Legal Awards on May 12, 2021. Hosted virtually, the awards honor those attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in Connecticut - whether in shaping the law, achieving outsized results for their clients, being an outstanding jurist or assisting those in need of legal services.

Steve was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a lawyer “who has left a lasting imprint on the legal community of Connecticut.” Linda received the Distinguished Leader Award for achieving “impressive results in 2020 and demonstrating clear leadership skills that helped achieve those results.” John was honored as a finalist for the Diversity Initiative Award. A new recognition to the awards slate, the distinction honors a lawyer or firm who has made a significant contribution to diversity and inclusion efforts in Connecticut’s legal community. Greg, Conor, Emilee and Jen were all recognized as “New Leaders in the Law,” a distinction that spotlights lawyers under the age of 40 who have excelled in the courtroom, in client service and cultivation, in service to bar associations, and in performing pro bono work or community service in a volunteer capacity. View the complete list of honorees.

Virginia Trunkes and Conor Duffy Author Healthcare Facilities Today Article on Cybersecurity in Health Care Design

Construction Law Group lawyer Virginia K. Trunkes and Health Law Group lawyer Conor O. Duffy authored the article “Construction and Maintenance: Connectivity and Cyber Security Considerations” published in Healthcare Facilities Today on March 31, 2021 Fueled by the emphasis on social distancing and need to limit exposure and transfer of infections, one of the hottest trends in health care design is incorporating more automation, remote access and use of data analytics into treatment and the patient environment. Health care facilities are increasingly relying on smart grid technologies, cloud computing, connected medical devices and health monitors, bio-sensing wearables, touchless technology, telehealth, online scheduling applications, electronic health records, virtual triages, AI-based predictive analytics and machine learning, and most recently interactive floor-plan images used by regulatory inspectors. These technologies require seamless connected systems and instant access to data – a recipe for cyber-vulnerability. Conor and Virginia acknowledge that while decades of HIPAA and extensive penalties for non-compliance have ensured that health care organizations are well equipped to maintain the privacy of their patient health information (PHI), health care organizations need to equally prioritize cybersecurity with respect to their facilities’ design and construction and contractors and vendors. Read the full article.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Receive “Top” Honors in JD Supra’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards

JD Supra’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards recognized Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team lawyers Linn F. Freedman and Kathryn M. Rattigan and Health Law Group lawyer Conor O. Duffy as outstanding authors among more than 58,000 authors who published insights and commentary on JD Supra in 2020. Linn was announced as the #1 author in the area of cybersecurity, for the 6th consecutive year. She is the editor of the firm’s Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Insider blog. Kathryn was recognized as a Top Author in the areas of cybersecurity and transportation. She also contributes to the Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Insider blog. Conor was named a Top Author in the area of healthcare. He contributes to the Data Privacy + Security Insider and is also co-editor the firm’s Health Law Diagnosis blog. In addition, Robinson+Cole was recognized as a Top Firm in the area of cybersecurity. The Readers’ Choice Awards recognize top authors and firms who were read by C-suite executives, in-house counsel, media, and other professionals across the JD Supra platform during 2020. Read more.

Conor Duffy and Nathaniel Arden Author Article on OIG Special Fraud Alert Published in Medical Economics

Health Law Group lawyers Conor O. Duffy and Nathaniel T. Arden authored the article “Government fraud alert for physicians: Watch out for speaker programs” published in Medical Economics on November 18, 2020. The article examines a Special Fraud Alert issued on November 16, 2020 by the Office of Inspector General (#OIG) (OIG) highlighting the fraud and abuse risks posed by speaker programs sponsored by pharmaceutical and medical device companies. “The Alert appears to be a clear signal to health care professionals, as well as pharmaceutical and medical device companies, that the OIG will closely scrutinize remuneration exchanged or offered as part of a speaker program under the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) and pursue sanctions against all parties to impermissible arrangements thereunder.” Read the full article.

Robinson+Cole Receives 36 First-Tier Metropolitan Rankings and Four National Rankings in Latest U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms”

Robinson+Cole received 36 first-tier metropolitan rankings and four national rankings in the 2021 Edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” The national rankings are in the areas of Information Technology Law, Labor Law - Management, Land Use & Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Law firms included in the publication are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Read more in the press release.

Robinson+Cole Welcomes Fall Class

Robinson+Cole welcomes back the following members from our summer class and internship programs: Christopher Y. Eddy (University of North Carolina School of Law), Michael G. Lisitano (Quinnipiac University School of Law), Ryan M. Messina (Widener University School of Law), Samuel C. Maduabueke (University of Connecticut School of Law), Annecca H. Smith (Washington University in St. Louis School of Law), and Kayla N. West (Wake Forest University School of Law), and congratulates them on their recent graduation.

Conor Duffy and Peter Struzzi Author Article on Published in Medical Economics

Health Law Group lawyers Conor O. Duffy and Peter H. Struzzi authored the article “The benefit of COVID-19 waivers to Stark Law, anti-kickback statute” published in Medical Economics on November 3, 2020. In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the federal government has issued a series of regulatory waivers and guidelines relaxing the applicability of otherwise stringent fraud and abuse laws, including the physician self-referral (Stark) law, the Anti-Kickback Statute, and the Civil Monetary Penalties Law. The pandemic waivers afford providers an opportunity to demonstrate that these fraud and abuse laws are inhibiting beneficial arrangements and can be changed without significant risk to the public fisc; but fraudulent schemes that seek cover under the waivers could spoil things for everyone. In the article, Conor and Peter review the current waivers and guidelines in place, the types of arrangements they are intended to protect, and whether there may be unintended consequences that prevent the waivers from laying the foundation for long-term change. Read the full article.

47 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in Super Lawyers®

A total of 47 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named to Super Lawyers® lists in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island for 2020. In addition, 29 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.”

Also, Bruce B. Barth was named to the Top 50: 2020 Connecticut Super Lawyers list and Linda L. Morkan appears on the Top 25: 2020 Women Connecticut Super Lawyers list.

The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas. An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here. Read more in the press release.

61 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021

61 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021. Of the 61 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 46 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law and insurance law.

Additionally, the following six lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Michael R. Enright in Litigation – Bankruptcy, Gregory R. Faulkner in Litigation – Construction, Virginia E. McGarrity in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Joey Lee Miranda in Environmental Law, James P. Ray in Litigation – Environmental and Theodore J. Tucci in Health Care Law. Michael S. Giaimo was also named a Best Lawyers® 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” in Boston, Massachusetts, in the area of Land Use and Zoning Law.

The inaugural edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch was also released, of which 17 total Robinson+Cole lawyers are listed in. The “Ones to Watch” recognition is given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. Read more in the press release.

Conor Duffy Appointed to New Haven Legal Assistance Board of Directors

Congratulations to Health Law Group and Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team member Conor Duffy, who was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of New Haven Legal Assistance Association (NHLAA), effective September 2020. NHLAA is a nonprofit organization comprising attorneys, paralegals and legal secretaries committed to protecting the rights and improving the lives of its clients and their communities. It provides high-quality legal services to individuals and groups unable to engage legal counsel and services due to limited income, age, disability, discrimination or other barriers. Incorporated in 1964, NHLAA was among the first legal services programs to be established, and the federal government has used it as a model for similar programs throughout the country.

Conor Duffy and Peter Struzzi Author Article on Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic Published in Medical Economics

Health Law Group lawyers Conor O. Duffy and Peter H. Struzzi authored the article “COVID-19 pandemic brings telehealth into U.S. homes” published by Medical Economics on August 13, 2020. The article provides a high-level overview of the systemic changes throughout the nation’s health care system that have resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights key issues for health care providers to monitor as federal and state governments, physicians and patients continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, and considers how the post-COVID-19 health care landscape will look for telehealth services. Read the full article.

Natale DiNatale Appointed Vice Chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association Health Law Section Council

The Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA) has appointed Labor and Employment Group lawyer Natale V. DiNatale to serve as Vice Chair of its Health Law Section Council for the 2020-2021 association year. Natale has previously served on the Council and is a speaker for the MBA. The Health Law Section provides a discussion platform to improve the professional competence of attorneys dealing with health care issues through seminars and publications; strives to bring together all members interested in the practice and delivery of health care.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Receive “Top” Honors in JD Supra’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards

JD Supra’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards recognized Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team lawyers Linn F. Freedman and Kathryn M. Rattigan and Health Law Group lawyer Conor O. Duffy as outstanding authors among over 50,000 authors who published insights and commentary on JD Supra in 2019. Linn was announced as the #1 author in the area of cybersecurity and a Top Author in the area of class action. She is the editor of the firm’s Data Privacy + Security Insider blog. Kathryn was recognized as a Top Author in the area of airlines/aviation and cybersecurity. She also contributes to the Data Privacy + Security Insider blog. Conor was named a Top Author in the area of healthcare. He contributes to the Data Privacy + Security Insider as well as the firm’s Health Law Diagnosis blog. The Readers’ Choice Awards recognize top authors and firms who were read by C-suite executives, in-house counsel, media, and other professionals across the JD Supra platform during 2019.

Chambers USA Recognizes 20 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in 11 Practice Areas in CT, PA, and RI and Nationwide

In its 2020 edition, the legal directory Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized Robinson+Cole in all six practice area categories that the publication covers in Connecticut. In addition, 20 lawyers were individually ranked from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, including one that has been recognized nationwide. Read more in the press release.

Les Levinson Quoted in Article on Home Health, Home Care M&A Activity Amid Coronavirus Outbreak Published in Home Health Care News

Transactional Health Law Group co-chair Leslie J. Levinson was quoted heavily in the article “Home Health, Home Care M&A Activity Is Business As Usual — For Now” published in Home Health Care News on March 17, 2020. The article focuses on the growing concern over potential disruption to in-home care M&A activity as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While home-care deals are currently moving forward, Les says “We haven’t seen anybody pull the plug on the transactions that we are currently working on,” he said. “This is an extremely fluid time, so it’s impossible to predict entirely what’s going to happen. We think that these deals will continue forward, albeit they may happen slower as people reassess what’s going to happen operationally and in the financial markets.” Read the full article.

Robinson+Cole Elects New Partner and Counsel

Robinson+Cole is pleased to announce the election of Taylor A. Shea as partner and the promotion of Nathaniel T. Arden, Jonathan H. Schaefer, Cara C. Vecchione, and Anna Jinhua Wang to counsel, effective January 1, 2020. Read more in the press release.

Lisa Thompson Invited to Join the Boston Bar Foundation's Society of Fellows Committee

Health Law Group member Melissa (Lisa) Thompson has been invited to join the Boston Bar Foundation (BBF) Society of Fellows Committee. The Committee is tasked with advising on membership initiatives and recruiting new members. Its focus in the coming year will be the Drive for 5 Campaign, an ambitious $5 million endowment effort designed to create a permanent base of support for the BBF. The Society of Fellows is a group of nearly 400 individuals who are dedicated to furthering the mission and work of the BBF. Members are invited to attend social and networking events throughout the year, and are publicly recognized for their generous commitment to the community.

The Foundation is the charitable arm of the Boston Bar Association (BBA), the hub of the legal profession in Boston, which works to advance the highest standards of excellence for the legal profession, promote and facilitate access to justice, and serve the community at large by supporting the public interest activities and pro bono work of the BBA. 
 

Robinson+Cole Receives 33 First-Tier Metropolitan Rankings and Four National Rankings in Latest U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms”

Robinson+Cole received 33 first-tier metropolitan rankings and four national rankings in the 2020 Edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” The national rankings are in the areas of Information Technology Law, Labor Law - Management , Land Use & Zoning Law and Real Estate Law. Law firms included in the publication are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. Read more in the press release.

Lisa Thompson Appointed Co-chair of the Boston Bar Association Health Law Section

Health Law Group lawyer Melissa (Lisa) Thompson has been appointed by the Boston Bar Association (BBA) to serve as co-chair of its Health Law Section for a two year term beginning September 2019. With nearly 13,000 members representing private practice, corporations, government agencies, legal aid organizations, the courts, and law schools, the BBA’s mission is to advance the highest standards of excellence for the legal profession, facilitate access to justice, foster a diverse and inclusive professional community, and serve the community at large. Read more in the press release.

Les Levinson Quoted in Article on Home-Based Care Providers Adopting the ‘One-Stop-Shop’ Model Published in Home Health Care News

Transactional Health Law Group co-chair Leslie J. Levinson was quoted in the article “Well Care Health CEO: We’re Pushing the Envelope of Care Innovation” published in Home Health Care News on September 12, 2019. The article uses Well Care Health as an example of how “a number of previously one-dimensional companies have evolved into ‘one-stop shops,’ or integrated businesses that offer an array of complementary services” in order to stay "competitive in today’s post-acute care landscape." “For somebody who’s been in the space a long time, this trend is very interesting,” said Les. “Twenty or so years ago, you had one-stop-shop models that people were trying to promote, pitching to managed care companies. But the market just wasn’t quite in tune enough to make that succeed.” Read the full article.

Les Levinson Quoted in Article on Home Care Assets Published in Home Health Care News

Transactional Health Law Group co-chair Leslie J. Levinson was quoted in the article “Lack of Scalable Home Care Assets Means Buyers May Have to Get Creative'” published in Home Health Care News on August 25, 2019. The article uses the recent agreement between Amedisys Inc. and ClearCare Inc., which allows Amedisys to grow a personal care network through a partnership model instead of direct acquisition, as an example of how buyers are getting creative in their approach to growing their home care footprint. “This certainly may be an alternative way [to] sort of get deeper into the personal care space when there’s a lack of acquisition targets out there,” said Les. Read the full article.

57 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020

57 Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020. Of the 57 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 44 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state. Robinson+Cole also has the highest number of listed lawyers in Connecticut in the areas of environmental law, insurance law, and litigation-construction.

Additionally, the following four lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Thomas P. Cody in Real Estate Law, Michael R. Enright in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, John B. Lynch Jr. in Mergers and Acquisitions Law, and Theodore J. Tucci in Insurance Law. Kathleen M. Porter was also named a Best Lawyers® 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” in Boston, Massachusetts, in the area of Information Technology Law. Read more in the press release.

Conor Duffy Is Named a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation

Health Law Group and Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team member Conor Duffy has been invited to join the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation (ABF). Fellows comprise a global honorary society of attorneys, judges, law faculty and legal scholars whose careers “have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession and to the welfare of their communities.” They are recommended by their peers and elected by the Board of the ABF. The prestigious invitation was extended in recognition of Conor’s contributions that support “the ABF’s groundbreaking research on the role and impact of law, lawyers and the legal process on society,” which help in the advancement of justice. 

Lisa Thompson Addresses Boston Bar Association's Health Care Conference

Health Law Group member Lisa Thompson was a featured speaker at the Boston Bar Association’s inaugural Health Care Conference in Boston, MA on May 30, 2019. Lisa spoke as a panelist on the program “Data Sharing Across the Health Care Industry.” She also participated as a member of the conference’s Advisory Committee. 

The event covered a variety of legal trends and developments affecting health care providers and institutions, payers, insurers, physicians, and medical groups, medical device and pharmaceutical companies, offering programs that included “Innovations in Health Care,” “Drug Pricing,” “Health Care Enforcement: What’s On the Horizon?” and the “Right to Try and Expanded Access to Investigational Drugs.” The full day of education and networking brought together firm experts, in-house counsel, regulators and policy leaders, and healthcare specialists – practitioners with the skills to help guide clients through the legal and regulatory changes they may face, as well as the industry knowledge to seize opportunities for growth and collaboration that can drive further improvement in the health care system.
 

Les Levinson was among the panelists who presented during the webinar “Home Health & Hospice: The Future of Healthcare Delivery”

Health Law Group lawyer Les Levinson was among the panelists who presented during the webinar “Home Health & Hospice: The Future of Healthcare Delivery” on April 25, 2019. Presented by Irving Levin Associates, the webinar covered the rising costs and continuing preference for home health care and hospice companies.  With the elderly population growing at a much faster rate than the increase in the number of caregivers, there is a question as to whether the home care business can grow as fast as people expect it to. Despite some of these concerns, demand for home healthcare and hospice companies continues to grow, as investors believe it will be part of the solution to containing costs and providing continuity of care to patients.

The topics the webinar addressed included: how active has the acquisition market been in the past few years; what are buyers paying, and how the multiples change depending on size; who the sellers are, and whether now is the time to sell; if labor pressures are squeezing profits enough to dampen investors’ appetite; and whether it makes sense for hospitals to get into, or continue in, the home care business. 

Adam Anderson and Nathaniel Arden Facilitate "Contracts 101" workshop

Adam Anderson and Nathaniel Arden facilitated the workshop “Contracts 101: Drafting and Negotiating Tips and Strategies” in Hartford, Connecticut on April 24, 2019. The event was sponsored by the MIT Enterprise Forum Connecticut. On any given day, a company might need to write, sign or negotiate a number of different contract types. “Contracts 101” presented the basics on the elements of an agreement and contract negotiation and offered critical tips and best practices to help save money and head off problems in both the short and long term. The workshop was the first in a series that will address legal, finance, strategy, operations, and marketing issues for startup founders. Robinson+Cole is a sponsor of the Connecticut Chapter of MIT Enterprise Forum.  

Les Levinson Authors Healthcare Financing Article

Health Law Group lawyer Les Levinson authored the article “Healthcare Financing Anti-assignment Limitations” published as a Lexis Practice Advisor® Practice Note on March 22, 2019. The article describes how to structure financing transactions for healthcare providers to overcome anti-assignment and collection limitations on Medicare and Medicaid receivables. 

The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) generally prohibits restrictions on assignment, making it possible for secured lenders to obtain a perfected security interest in these assets. Other regulations, however, make it difficult for lenders to collect on those receivables. The Practice Note addresses the structure and legal status of the “double lockbox” mechanism that lawyers commonly use to work around these federal regulations. To read the full article, click here. 

Robinson+Cole Receives “Top” Honors in JD Supra’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards

JD Supra’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards named Robinson+Cole the Top Firm on the subject of cybersecurity for the fourth consecutive year as well as a thought leader in that area, recognizing the firm “for achieving the highest visibility and engagement among readers for (its) particular expertise.” Data Privacy + Cybersecurity Team lawyers Linn F. Freedman and Kathryn M. Rattigan and Health Law Group lawyer Conor O. Duffy were recognized as outstanding authors among some 50,000 authors who published insights and commentary on JD Supra in 2018. Linn was announced as the #1 author in the area of cybersecurity and a Top Author in the area of class action. She is the editor of the firm’s Data Privacy + Security Insider blog. Kathryn was recognized as the #1 author in the area of airlines/aviation as well as a Top Author in the area of class action. She also contributes to the Data Privacy + Security Insider blog. Conor was named a Top Author in the area of healthcare. He contributes to the Data Privacy + Security Insider  as well as the firm’s Health Law Diagnosis blog. The Readers’ Choice Awards recognize top authors and firms who were read by C-suite executives, in-house counsel, media, and other professionals across the JD Supra platform during 2018.

Christine Bromberg and Les Levinson Named to Law360 Editorial Advisory Boards

Tax Group lawyer Christine E. Bromberg and Health Law Group lawyer Leslie J. Levinson have been selected to serve on Law360 Editorial Advisory Boards for 2019. Ms. Bromberg has been re-named to Law360’s Tax Editorial Advisory Board. She has served on the board since 2016. Mr. Levinson has been re-named to Law360’s Health Editorial Advisory Board. He has served on the board since 2015. The purpose of these editorial advisory boards is to get feedback on Law360's coverage and to gain insight from experts in the field on how best to shape future coverage.

Robinson+Cole Receives 36 First-Tier Metropolitan Rankings and Four National Rankings in Latest U.S. News – “Best Law Firms” Survey

Robinson+Cole received 36 first-tier metropolitan rankings in the 2019 “Best Law Firms” list published in U.S. News & World Report. The firm also received four national rankings: Tier 2 rankings for Land Use & Zoning Law and Real Estate Law and Tier 3 rankings for Information Technology Law and Labor Law - Management.

The rankings are presented in tiers, on both the national and metropolitan lists, by practice area. Rankings are based on surveys in which major clients and lawyers are asked to rate the law firms they consider best in their practice areas. The full methodology can be found at http://bestlawfirms.usnews.com/methodology.aspx.

View the complete list of first-tier metropolitan rankings.

Brian Nichols Profiled in ABA Health Law Section’s “Feature Friday”

Health Law Group lawyer Brian D. Nichols was profiled in the American Bar Association (ABA) Health Law Section’s “Feature Friday,” published in Section News on October 18, 2018. The premise of the weekly series is to get section members better acquainted with section leaders. Brian currently serves as Chair of the Health Law Section’s Business & Transactions Interest Group and is Co-Chair of the Emerging Issues in Healthcare Law Conference. Read the “Feature Friday."

51 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

A total of 51 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2018. In addition, 32 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.” The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas. An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here. View the list of recognized attorneys and their areas of practice.

Conor Duffy Quoted in Renal & Urology News Article on Criminal Charges for HIPAA Violations

Health Law Group lawyer Conor O. Duffy was quoted in the article “Massachusetts Physician Guilty in HIPAA Case,” published in Renal & Urology News on October 9, 2018. The article focuses on the potential implications for improper disclosure by citing the recent sentencing of Dr. Rita Luthra, a gynecologist who treated women in a low-income area of Springfield, Massachusetts, to one year of probation for violating HIPAA laws and obstructing an investigation into a federal health care probe. “Prosecutors appear to utilize criminal charges under HIPAA in part as a fall back or as leverage against a provider, because proving HIPAA violations can be easier than proving the existence of an illegal kickback arrangement,” Conor said. “The Massachusetts case is notable in that the government ended up dropping its kickback allegations but nonetheless prosecuted the physician for a HIPAA violation.” Read the full article.

Lisa Thompson Presents MassBar Program on Health Care Provider-Payor Dispute Resolution

Health Law Group lawyer Melissa (Lisa) Thompson was among the faculty presenting during a program on “Health Care Provider-Payor Dispute Resolution—Techniques and Strategies” on September 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. Co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Bar Association (MassBar) Dispute Resolution Section and Health Law Section, the program offered insight on the nuances of dispute resolution in recoupment, reimbursement and other payor-provider disputes. The session covered the importance of provider agreements as well as the policies, procedures and other documents incorporated by reference into those agreements, and considerations in selecting mediators and arbitrators for health care disputes.

Les Levinson Adds Insights as Specialty Medical Groups Webinar Panelist

Transactional Health Law Group co-Chair Leslie J. Levinson was a panelist on the webinar “Specialty Medical Groups: Why Dermatology, Anesthesiology, and Others Are Hot M&A Targets” presented on September 13, 2018. Levinson, who is also a member of the firm’s Health Law and Business Transaction Groups, was joined in the 90-minute moderated discussion of opportunities and challenges of acquiring specialty practices in 2018 by Andrew Colbert, Managing Director at Ziegler and Jeff Swearingen, Managing Director at Edgemont Capital Partners. As specialty physician groups have become a favorite - and highly profitable - target of private equity investors, practices such as orthopedics, ophthalmology, dentistry and dermatology are finding ways to enhance profitability within demographics-driven niche markets. The panel discussed questions including “Who really runs the practice after the sale?,” “Which specialties are reimbursed at the highest levels?” and “How hard is it to build a regional platform?”

Brian Nichols Participates in Webinar on Hospital M&A Market at Mid-Year

Health Law Group lawyer Brian D. Nichols was among the panelists that participated in a program on “Hospital M&A Market at Mid-Year: Surviving, or Not, Healthcare Reform,” presented on June 21, 2018. Hosted by Irving Levin Associates, the webinar covered the state of the hospital M&A market today, how valuations have been trending in 2018, and the outlook for traditional hospitals.

Conor Duffy Presents Webinar on Compliance for American Health Lawyers Association

Health Law Group lawyer Conor O. Duffy was among the speakers that presented during a live webinar entitled “Turning ‘Can We Do This?’ into ‘We Can Do This!’: Navigating Compliance, Part V" on June 20, 2018. Presented by the American Health Lawyers Association, the program explored hypothetical and real life legal obstacles and solutions for public, academic, and safety net hospitals that are looking to expand through partnerships, alliances, acquisitions, and investments.

Meaghan Cooper Named New Leader in the Law by the Connecticut Law Tribune

The Connecticut Law Tribune has recognized Health Law Group lawyer Meaghan Mary Cooper as a New Leader in the Law. She was honored at the publication’s 2018 Connecticut Legal Awards “Professional Excellence” event on May 24, 2018 at The Bond Ballroom in Hartford. This distinction spotlights lawyers under the age of 40 who have excelled in the courtroom, in client service and cultivation, in service to bar associations, and in performing pro bono work or community service in a volunteer capacity. Read more and view a photo in the press release.

Chambers USA Recognizes Robinson+Cole Lawyers and Practice Groups

The legal directory Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized Robinson+Cole in all six practice areas that Chambers USA covers in Connecticut in its 2018 edition and has individually recognized 18 of the firm’s lawyers.  
Robinson+Cole earned rankings in the following Connecticut practice areas: Corporate/M&A, Environment, Healthcare, Labor & Employment, Litigation: General Commercial, and Real Estate. See the individual market press releases for the list of Robinson+Cole lawyers included in Chambers USA 2018.

Les Levinson Presents Webinar on Selling a Health Care Services Company to a Private Equity Firm

Health Law Group lawyer Leslie J. Levinson was among the panelists that presented during a webinar on “The Ins and Outs of Selling your Healthcare Services Company to a Private Equity Firm” on March 8, 2018. Presented by Irving Levin Associates, the webinar covered what private equity firms are looking for in a services business, why sellers often misjudge their business’ real worth, and what to expect before you sell, and what you may find after. View the webinar here.

Conor Duffy Presents Webcast on Managing Risks Under HIPAA & HITECH

Health Law Group lawyer Conor O. Duffy co-presented the program “Crucial Steps and Strategies in Managing Risks Under HIPAA & HITECH” on March 14, 2018. Presented by The Knowledge Group, the webcast covered the framework of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act and the potential risk issues health care providers might face under these Acts. Mr. Duffy offered insight on protecting highly sensitive data, breach reporting obligations at the federal and state level, and planning for a ransomware attack.

Christine Bromberg and Les Levinson Named to Law360 Editorial Advisory Boards

Tax Group lawyer Christine E. Bromberg and Health Law Group lawyer Leslie J. Levinson have been selected to serve on Law360 Editorial Advisory Boards for 2018.  Ms. Bromberg has been re-named to Law360’s Tax Editorial Advisory Board. She has served on the board since 2016. Mr. Levinson has been re-named to Law360’s Healthcare Editorial Advisory Board. He has served on the board since 2015. The purpose of these editorial advisory boards is to get feedback on Law360's coverage and to gain insight from experts in the field on how best to shape future coverage.

Conor Duffy Quoted in Cook County Record Article on $100,000 Fine for Defunct Business Associate Due to Improper Disposal of Medical Records

Health Law Group lawyer Conor O. Duffy was quoted in the article “Feds snag $100K deal from defunct Northbrook firm accused of leaving HIPAA records in dumpster,” published in Cook County Record on February 28, 2018. The article discusses the recent $100,000 settlement announced by the HHS Office for Civil Rights with a court-appointed receiver representing Filefax, Inc. arising from the 2015 discovery of medical records that contained protected health information (PHI) of over two thousand individuals in a dumpster. Filefax, a now-defunct medical records moving and storage company located in Illinois, acted as a business associate under HIPAA. “This settlement is a reminder that companies subject to HIPAA can expose themselves to sanctions if they ignore fundamental HIPAA obligations, like implementing reasonable safeguards against unauthorized access to, or disclosure of, PHI,” said Mr. Duffy. Read the full article.

Natale DiNatale, Les Levinson, Virginia McGarrity, and Brian Nichols Present Health Law Webinar

Health Law Group lawyers Leslie J. Levinson and Brian D. Nichols and Labor + Employment Group lawyers Natale V. DiNatale and Virginia E. McGarrity presented a program on “Getting Your Health Care Entity Ready for a Purchase or Sale Transaction: Steps for Success” on February 27, 2018. The webinar provided practical takeaways and key considerations in planning for a purchase or sale transaction of a health care entity including: regulatory issues related to hospitals, physician practices, and post-acute health care providers; resource management, deal process considerations, and transaction timing; and labor, employee benefit, and environmental issues.

Les Levinson Quoted in Part B News Articles on 2017 and 2018 Health Care Predictions

Transactional Health Law Group co-chair Leslie J. Levinson was quoted in a Part B News article published on January 1, 2018. The article, “2018 predictions: Providers take on risk, OCR goes after ‘juicy’ violations, MIPS habits change and more," offers predictions of what will affect physician practices in 2018. Regarding the prediction that mergers and acquisitions among medical practices will be strong in 2018, Mr. Levinson says that M&A activity should continue to be active and that some large medical organizations will spin off acquisitions that don’t prove profitable. "That trend, particularly with private equity investors, should continue in the coming year." Click here to read the article

Another Part B News article, published on the same day, recapped predictions that were made early last year. The article, “PBN's 2017 predictions: Right on QPP, CCM, fraud — and almost everything else,” indicated that Mr. Levinson's 2017 prediction came to fruition as “large players, acquiring, trading or spinning off businesses kept the sector hopping.” Click here to read the article.

Robinson+Cole Receives 37 First-Tier Metropolitan Rankings and 3 National Rankings in Latest U.S. News – Best Law Firms Survey

Robinson+Cole received 37 first-tier metropolitan rankings in the 2018 “Best Law Firms” list published in U.S. News & World Report.

The firm also received three national rankings: Tier 2 ranking for Real Estate Law and Tier 3 rankings for Information Technology Law and Land Use & Zoning Law.

The rankings are presented in tiers, on both the national or metropolitan lists, by practice area. Rankings are based on surveys in which major clients and lawyers are asked to rate the law firms they consider best in their practice areas.

View a complete list of the firm's first-tier metropolitan rankings in the news release.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

A total of 56 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2017. The Super Lawyers® designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas.

In addition, 29 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.” An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here.

See the list of included lawyers in the news release.

Conor Duffy Moderates ABA Webinar on Health Care Fraud and Abuse

Health Law Group lawyer Conor O. Duffy moderated the webinar "Avoiding Pinstripes and Fines: Fundamentals of Health Care Fraud and Abuse," on September 21, 2017. This webinar provided an introduction to the Stark law, the Anti-Kickback Statute, the False Claims Act, and other health care fraud and abuse laws; reviewed common compliance issues that arise under these laws; and discussed the range of penalties for noncompliance with such laws. The webinar, an ABA presentation, was co-sponsored by the Young Lawyers Division and the Health Law Section. 

Ted Tucci, Kate Dion, and Conor Duffy Co-author Article Published in AHLA Connections

Business Litigation Group lawyers Theodore J. Tucci and Kathleen E. Dion and Health Law Group lawyer Conor O. Duffy co-wrote the article "Escobar Materiality Standard for Implied False Certification Claims Poses Acute FCA Compliance Challenge," published in the September 2017 issue of AHLA Connections, the member magazine for the American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA). The article focuses on the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2016 decision to uphold the validity, at least in some circumstances, of the “implied false certification” theory of liability under the False Claims Act (FCA), and the continued disagreement over the meaning and impact of Universal Health Services, Inc. v. United States ex rel. Escobar. Click here to view the entire article.

Copyright 2017, American Health Lawyers Association, Washington, DC. Reprint permission granted.

Fifty-Nine Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2018

Fifty-nine Robinson+Cole lawyers were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2018 (Copyright 2017 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC). Of the 59 lawyers from across the firm’s practice groups and offices named to the list, 49 are from Connecticut. The firm continues to have the highest number of recognized lawyers in the state.

Additionally, the following six lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2018 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Dennis C. Cavanaugh in Litigation – Construction; Stephen E. Goldman in Insurance Law; Stuart D. Rosen in Litigation – Banking and Finance; Edward J. Samorajczyk Jr. in Securities / Capital Markets Law; William T. Sellay in Mergers and Acquisitions Law; and Theodore J. Tucci in Health Care Law.

See a complete listing of all Robinson+Cole's ranked lawyers in the press release.

Pamela Del Negro Appointed to Board of AHLA Publication

Health Law Group lawyer Pamela Del Negro has been appointed to the Editorial Board of the Journal of Health & Life Sciences Law, a publication of the American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA). The board, consisting of law professors, in-house counsel, and lawyers in private practice, formulates goals and activities for the upcoming year, identifies for lawyers critical topics on health and life sciences law, and reviews articles for publication. The AHLA is the nation's largest, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) educational organization devoted to legal issues in the health care field. Ms. Del Negro's appointment is for a one-year term, beginning July 1, 2017.

Robinson+Cole Sponsors Panel Discussion on Cybersecurity for Medical Devices

In a panel discussion held at Robinson+Cole’s Hartford office on June 1, 2017, Health Law Group and life sciences lawyer Melissa (Lisa) Thompson spoke on "Cybersecurity for Medical Devices." The panelists exchanged views on a variety of topics that included patient safety, post-market management practices and FDA guidance, cybersecurity by design, functionality, protecting patient data, and cyber-related vulnerabilities and incident information sharing. Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Group and Intellectual Property Group lawyer Kathleen M. Porter organized the event, which was co-sponsored by Robinson+Cole, the Biomedical Engineering Alliance and Consortium (BEACON), and Court Square Group (CSG). Centrally located along the New England Knowledge Corridor that extends from New Haven, Connecticut, to Northampton, Massachusetts, BEACON is a nonprofit organization consisting of academic and medical institutions, as well as corporations and entrepreneurs, dedicated to the development, commercialization, and manufacture of new medical devices and technology. Robinson+Cole and CSG are BEACON members, and Ms. Porter and CSG President Keith Parent serve on BEACON's board of directors. Click here to see photos from the event.

Chambers USA Recognizes Robinson+Cole Lawyers and Practice Groups

The legal directory Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized the law firm of Robinson+Cole in six practice area categories in its 2017 edition and has individually recognized 18 of the firm’s lawyers, including one lawyer who received nationwide recognition.  
Robinson+Cole earned rankings in each of the practice areas that Chambers USA covers in Connecticut: Corporate/M&A, Environment, Healthcare, Labor & Employment, Litigation: General Commercial, and Real Estate.
See the full press release for the list of Robinson+Cole lawyers included in Chambers USA 2017.

Health Law Group Lawyer Presents on Voluntary Self-Disclosure Protocols

Health Law Group lawyer Melissa (Lisa) Thompson presented the webinar "Navigating Voluntary Self-Disclosure Protocols" on April 19, 2017. She discussed  the OIG Provider Self-Disclosure Protocol (SDP) and the CMS Self-Referral Disclosure Protocol (SRDP). In addition, Ms. Thompson  provided insight into deciding how, when, and which protocol to use; an overview of protocol requirements; the new SRDP processes and forms; and the latest statistics on settlements. 

Les Levinson Moderates Home Care 100 Conference

Leslie J. Levinson, co-chair of Robinson+Cole's Transactional Health Law Group, attended the Home Care 100 Leadership & Strategy Conference in Amelia Island, Florida, on February 6, 2017. Mr. Levinson moderated the session "Managed Care," which addressed solutions for home health providers. The panel of managed care veterans examined data sharing and gainsharing and offered the payer perspective on value-based partnerships, including how home health providers can share in the risk. Home Care 100 provides a forum for senior executives in the home care and hospice fields to discuss the current business landscape, growth strategies, and the future direction of the industry.

Les Levinson Quoted in Part B News Article on 2017 Health Care Predictions

Leslie J. Levinson, co-chair of Robinson+Cole's Transactional Health Law Group, was quoted in a Part B News article published on January 2, 2017. The article, "2017 predictions: Increased cash payments, no changes to MACRA and more," discusses the potential for 2017 to be an unparalleled time for changes in health care. Regarding the prediction that practice consolidation will accelerate, Mr. Levinson says that practice acquisition was active in 2016, "particularly in the specialty practice areas with dermatology, ophthalmology and anesthesia remaining strong, along with a continuing consolidation of dental practices by practice management companies." 

Les Levinson Presents at ACG Connecticut Health Care Meeting

Leslie J. Levinson, co-chair of the firm's Transactional Health Law Team, presented at the Connecticut Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth's (ACG) Health Care Breakfast Meeting on November 4, 2016, in Stamford, Connecticut. He joined others from Connecticut's health care industry to discuss a range of issues in the panel discussion "From Closing to Value Enhancement – Increasing Value from Health Care Transactions." Topics included (1) how are investors considering health care investments, (2) how to identify post-transaction risk, (3) actions that maximize value, and (4) health care transactions in the future, such as possible impacts of the election and emerging trends. His co-presenters were David Howard of Grant Thornton and Adam Dolder of Great Point Partners. Lou Feuerstein of Grant Thornton was the moderator. 

Robinson+Cole Receives 34 First-Tier Metropolitan Rankings and 3 National Rankings in Latest U.S. News – Best Law Firms Survey

Robinson+Cole received 34 first-tier metropolitan rankings, including 26 in the city of Hartford, in the 2017 “Best Law Firms” list published in U.S. News & World Report.

The firm also received three national rankings: Tier 2 rankings for Information Technology Law, Land Use & Zoning Law, and Real Estate Law.

The rankings are presented in tiers, on both the national or metropolitan lists, by practice area. Rankings are based on surveys in which major clients and lawyers are asked to rate the law firms they consider best in their practice areas.

View a complete list of the firm's first-tier metropolitan rankings in the news release.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

A total of 51 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2016. The Super Lawyers® designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas.

In addition, 23 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.” An explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology can be found here.

See the list of included lawyers in the news release.

Les Levinson Interviewed for Privcap Healthcare Insider Article

Leslie J. Levinson was interviewed for the article "Where Some See Healthcare Challenges, PE Sees Roll-Up Opportunity," published in the Privcap Healthcare Insider on September 7, 2016. The article discusses how health care subsectors such as dermatology and behavioral health have to deal with fewer reimbursement pressures, resulting in more opportunities for private equity. A recent Privcap webinar highlights both addiction treatment and dermatology as areas of health care consolidation that drive opportunities in the smallest end of the middle market. You can learn about Mr. Levinson's take on this topic by viewing the article and the video here. You can also view the transcript of his interview here. 

Mr. Levinson is a health law and business transactions partner in Robinson+Cole's New York  and co-chair of the firm's Transactional Health Law Group.

Meaghan Cooper Joins Interval House Board of Directors

Interval House, Connecticut’s largest domestic violence intervention and prevention agency, has appointed Meaghan Mary Cooper to its Board of Directors for a two-year term. Founded in 1977, Interval House has positively affected the lives of nearly 200,000 women and children who have experienced psychological and physical abuse at the hands of a domestic or intimate partner. 

Read more in the full release.

Robinson+Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Lawyer Count in The Best Lawyers in America® 2017

Robinson+Cole was again recognized as having the highest number of Connecticut lawyers selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2017 (Copyright 2016 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC). Across the firm’s practice groups and offices, 57 lawyers were named to this year’s list, including 47 in Connecticut.

Additionally, the following four lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2017 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Dennis C. Cavanaugh in Construction Law; Judith M. Keppelman  in Litigation – Trusts and Estates; Linda L. Morkan in Appellate Practice; and Edward J. Samorajczyk Jr. in Corporate Law.

See a complete listing of all Robinson+Cole's ranked lawyers in the news release.

Robinson+Cole Bolsters Health Law Practice with Two New Lawyers

Robinson+Cole’s Health Law Group welcomes Melissa (Lisa) Thompson as a partner in the firm’s Boston and Providence offices and Erica S. Youngerman as an associate in the firm’s New York office. Ms. Thompson will be working closely with Lisa M. Boyle, chair of the firm’s Health Law Group, and fellow partners Leslie J. Levinson and Brian R. Nichols in continuing to expand the firm’s health care practice in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Read more in the full release.

Robinson+Cole Welcomes Thirteen New Lawyers

Robinson+Cole welcomes 13 new lawyers who joined the firm over the last several months in its offices in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, and New York. The lawyers bring additional breadth to a number of our corporate practices, including business transactions, data privacy, employee benefits and compensation, finance, health law, labor and employment, insurance and reinsurance, real estate and development, and tax.

"Robinson+Cole continues to draw high-caliber talent to our practices, and we are thrilled to welcome these latest additions to our firm," said Stephen E. Goldman, Robinson+Cole's managing partner. "They bring valuable and diverse experiences with them that will allow us to continue to provide the high level of service our clients expect and also to offer new insights and perspectives to the legal challenges our clients face."

Kathryn Rattigan Appointed Vice Chair of MBA's Health Law Council

Kathryn M. Rattigan has been appointed vice chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association's (MBA) Health Law Section Council. The health law council is part of the Health Law Section, which works to enhance the professional competence of lawyers dealing with health care issues through seminars and publications.

Ms. Rattigan is a business litigation lawyer in Robinson+Cole's Providence office.

Health Law Lawyers Write Article for CLT's Special Health Law Section

Health law lawyers Meaghan Mary Cooper and Conor O. Duffy wrote the article "New Guidance for Health Care Program Exclusions" for the May 2, 2016, edition of the Connecticut Law Tribune's special Health Law Section. In the article, Ms. Cooper and Mr. Duffy discuss the new policy statement that the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) published on April 18, 2016, that outlines the OIG's authority to exclude individuals and entities from participating in Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health care programs because of fraudulent or abusive conduct. In particular, the article covers these topics: the exclusion presumption, alternative remedies, OIG risk factors, and takeaways for providers. To find out more about their analysis, please click here to view the article.

Chambers USA Recognizes Robinson+Cole Lawyers and Practice Groups

Les Levinson Moderates Health Care Services M&A Round Table

Leslie J. Levinson moderated the webinar "Health Care Services M&A 101 Round Table" on May 5, 2016. The panelists, Darby Anderson, chief business development and strategy officer at Addus HealthCare; Burk Lindsey, managing director at Raymond James; and John Pouschine, co-founder and managing member of Pouschine Cook Capital Management, discussed the current state of the M&A market for health care services, focusing on valuation, regulatory compliance, and due diligence; where most deals are impeded; and where to invest the most time and effort to close a deal.

Mr. Levinson is a health law and business transactions partner in Robinson+Cole's New York office.

Ted Tucci Publishes Article on Batchclaim Liability in PLUS Journal

Health law lawyer Theodore J. Tucci wrote the article "The New Frontiers of Healthcare Batchclaim Liability," published in the April 2016 issue of PLUS Journal. Along with his co-author, Kristin McMahon, chief claims officer at IronHealth, Mr. Tucci discusses types of batch claims and legal theories that support them, a case study about the New England Compounding Center, regulatory fraud and abuse, macro trends, financial batch claims, and risk management strategies.

PLUS Journal, a publication of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society, is a source for professional liability education and networking.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Present an Update on Managed Care Litigation

Health and benefits litigation lawyers Theodore J. Tucci and Jean E. Tomasco presented a webinar entitled "Managed Care Litigation Update 2016" for a firm client in the specialty risk insurance industry on March 30, 2016. After starting with a brief summary of managed care market trends and litigation data for the past year, Mr. Tucci spoke about cases brought by patients and plan members against insurers and managed care entities, such as lawsuits involving alleged misrepresentations concerning plan networks and claims for benefit parity. He also addressed litigation brought by insurers and other payors, including cases brought against providers for unfair billing practices, waiver of cost-sharing requirements, and referral incentives. Ms. Tomasco provided an overview of trends in litigation brought by providers against managed care organizations, for example, antitrust claims, suits involving claims for payment under benefit assignment agreements, network participation claims, and contract disputes. The presentation also included an overview of recent cases concerning ERISA preemption and the False Claims Act as well as regulatory initiatives for 2016. Professionals from across the nation and from a wide range of health care settings, such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and managed care organizations, participated in the webinar.

Hartford Lawyers Present at HFMA Program

Health law lawyers Meaghan Mary Cooper and Conor O. Duffy presented "Recent Developments in Fraud and Abuse Enforcement – Important Issues for Hospitals and Providers" at the 2016 Legal Playbook: Best Practices to Keep Your Healthcare Operations on the Winning Side program on February 23, 2016, in Wallingford, Connecticut. Sponsored by the Connecticut Chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), the program focused on key changes, best practices, new trends, and opportunities in the healthcare industry. The audience included healthcare decision makers across the state, including hospital finance managers, compliance officers, and in-house counsel.

Les Levinson quoted in Law360 Article on Medicare’s 60-Day Overpayment Rule

Leslie J. Levinson was quoted in the article "6 Key Policies In Medicare's 60-Day Overpayment Rule," published in Law360 on February 11, 2016. The article discusses Medicare's final rule regarding a new obligation for doctors and hospitals to return Medicare overpayments and outlines six key ways in which the rule is now more beneficial. Responding to the change that an overpayment is not officially identified until it is qualified, Mr. Levinson says, "Adding the quantification element will be very helpful to providers." As a final note, he says that "[o]ne thing I think providers should take away from this...is maintain good records, keep good notes in the file—whatever it takes to demonstrate that you did exercise reasonable diligence." To read about Mr. Levinson's take on other final rule changes, click here to view the article.

Mr. Levinson is a health law and business transactions partner in Robinson+Cole's New York office.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Present at Annual Central Massachusetts Health Care Symposium

Business litigation lawyers Kathleen E. Dion and Kathryn M. Rattigan presented at the Massachusetts Bar Association's Third Annual Central Massachusetts Health Care Symposium on February 10, 2016, at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. Along with co-presenters Lorianne M. Sainsbury-Wong of Health Law Advocates in Boston, David Harlow of The Harlow Group in Newton, and Roy J. Watson of the Watson Law Offices in Cambridge, Ms. Dion and Ms. Rattigan discussed how to navigate substantive legal development in health law practices. Specifically, the topics included digital health, HIPAA hot topics, charitable hospital duties under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obama Care) and the U.S. Tax Code, and corporate compliance strategies for health care organizations.

Les Levinson Featured in Part B News Article

Leslie J. Levinson, health law and business transactions lawyer in the New York office, was quoted in the January 4, 2016, issue of Part B News in the article "M&A outlook: More big deals; insurers, private equity stepping in." The article focuses on the expanding health care industry and how leaders in the industry predict that expansion will continue in 2016. Additionally, it emphasizes the trend toward consolidation in the health care industry. Mr. Levinson comments on private equity firms looking to anesthesia, cardiology and "other specialty practices with a view towards consolidation and scalability" of their health care portfolios.
Part B News provides guidance, analysis, and news concerning Medicare Part B payment, coding, and billing rules for physician practices. Mr. Levinson is co-chair of Robinson+Cole's Transactional Health Law Group.

Les Levinson Speaks at Privcap Conference

Health care and business transactions partner Leslie J. Levinson spoke at Privcap's "Healthcare Game Change 2015" conference on November 18, 2015, in New York City. He participated in the panel "Healthcare Deal Flow Dynamics" with principals from FFL Partners and Vestor Capital. The presentation featured an interactive discussion among the panelists and audience on the state of the health care deal market and trends, deal dynamics, negotiation strategies, and unusual diligence and closing considerations.

The annual conference, a unique gathering of private equity investors and health care thought leaders, was attended by over 65 private equity firms, including, among others, Apex Partners, Bain Capital, and TPG Capital.

Linn Freedman Co-Presents at HDM Webinar

Business litigation lawyer Linn F. Freedman spoke at the webinar "Battling Mobile Security Challenges," sponsored by Health Data Management (HDM) and Citrix, on December 8, 2015. Along with her co-presenter, Keith Fricke, the principal security consultant at tw-Security, Ms. Freedman spoke about risks facing organizations related to mHealth, including using a Bring Your Own Device Program, mobile devices and removable media, how best to mitigate specific risks to protect health care organizations, and emerging risks related to the access, use, and disclosure of sensitive health care information.

Ms. Freedman is chair of Robinson+Cole's Data Privacy + Security Team.

Health Law Lawyers Co-present at Health Care Webinar

Health law lawyers Leslie J. Levinson and Brian D. Nichols, along with Dave Terry, CEO and founder of Archway Health Advisors, spoke at the webinar "Bundled Payment Programs—What You Can't Afford to Miss" on November 12, 2015. The presenters analyzed bundled payment programs (both governmental and commercial), their impact, and the direction in which they are headed.

Mr. Levinson is co-chair of Robinson+Cole's Transactional Health Law Group. Mr. Nichols is a partner in the firm's Health Law Group, focusing on corporate and regulatory health law. Both are frequent speakers at industry conferences.

Health Law Lawyers Participate in Annual Hospital 100 Conference

Health law lawyers Leslie J. Levinson and Brian D. Nichols attended the Hospital 100 Leadership & Strategy Conference: Embracing Risk and Making It Work from October 19 to 21, 2015, in Miami, Florida. The conference was held exclusively for C-level leaders of hospitals and health systems. Mr. Nichols, along with Thomas Beeman, CEO of Lancaster General Health; Jess Kupec, CEO of Saint Francis HealthCare Partners; and George Terrazas, president of Texas Care Alliance, presented the session "Hospital Alliances and Networks, Coming to a Region Near You." They discussed the fast-growing regional hospital alliances forming around the country, focusing on the benefits and the pitfalls of these new models of collaboration.

Mr. Levinson is co-chair of Robinson+Cole's Transactional Health Law Group. Mr. Nichols is a partner in the firm's Health Law Group, focusing on corporate and regulatory health law. Both are frequent speakers at industry conferences, such as Hospital 100.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

A total of 54 Robinson+Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island for 2015. The Super Lawyers designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas.
In addition, 21 attorneys at the firm were recognized as “Rising Stars.” Read an explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology here. See the list of included lawyers in the news release.

Les Levinson Moderates Webinar on Home Health and Hospice M&A

Health law and business transactions lawyer Leslie J. Levinson moderated the webinar "Home Health & Hospice M&A: Buying, Selling, and Valuing" on August 20, 2015. The session, part of the Health Care M&A Webcast Series presented by Irving Levin Associates, focused on the home health and hospice merger and acquisition (M&A) market. The topics covered who's buying what and how these deals are being financed, what reimbursement changes are coming and what's ahead for the next five years, and whether this is a good time to buy or sell, among many other topics. The panelists included Darby Anderson, chief business development and strategy officer at Addus HomeCare, Inc.; David Berman, principal at Simione Healthcare Consultants; and Dexter Braff, president of The Braff Group.

Robinson+Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Lawyer Count in The Best Lawyers in America® 2016

Robinson+Cole was again recognized as having the highest number of Connecticut lawyers selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2016 (Copyright 2015 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC). Across the firm’s practice groups and offices, 55 lawyers were named to this year’s list, including 45 in Connecticut.

Additionally, the following seven lawyers were named the Best Lawyers® 2016 “Lawyer of the Year” in Hartford, Connecticut, in the noted practice areas: Bruce B. Barth in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law; Dennis C. Cavanaugh in Litigation – Construction; Stephen E. Goldman in Insurance Law; Joey Lee Miranda in Environmental Law; Craig A. Raabe in Litigation – Intellectual Property; Edward J. Samorajczyk, Jr., in Securities / Capital Markets Law; and William T. Sellay in Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Peter V. Lacouture was named the Best Lawyers® 2016 “Lawyer of the Year” in Energy Law in Providence, Rhode Island.

See a complete listing of all Robinson+Cole's ranked lawyers in the news release.

Les Levinson Featured in Law360 Article on FCA 60-Day Rule

Health law and business transactions lawyer Leslie J. Levinson was quoted in the article "5 Takeaways From FCA 60-Day Overpayment Decision," published in Law360 on August 4, 2015. In the wake of the first court decision on a False Claims Act (FCA) requirement for hospital systems to return identified overpayments from Medicare and Medicaid within 60 days, the article focuses on the importance of taking overpayments seriously and brings up questions on compliance obligations. Mr. Levinson commented on the defendant hospital's foot-dragging as well as the decision not fully explaining the term "put on notice." Click here to view the article in its entirety.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Write Article for Journal of Health & Life Sciences Law

Health law lawyer Pamela H. Del Negro and employment litigation lawyer Stephen W. Aronson published an article entitled "Religious Accommodations for Employers in the Health Care Workplace" in the June 2015 issue of the Journal of Health & Life Sciences Law, issued by the American Health Lawyers Association. The article contains a 50-state survey of employee rights of refusal for procedures and services performed in health care workplaces and tips for employers on responding to employees who refuse to perform procedures or services based on their religion. Please click here to view the abstract of the article.

Health Law Lawyers Pen Article for Law360

Health law lawyers Conor O. Duffy, Nathaniel T. Arden, and Leslie J. Levinson authored the article "ACA, Health Care Overpayments and the 60-Day Rule," published in Law360 on May 26, 2015. In the article, they discuss how the ACA amended the Social Security Act to establish the 60-Day rule, requiring individuals and institutional providers to return Medicare or Medicaid overpayments. In particular, they explore what it means to return an overpayment per the 60-day rule and the chasm between the rule's strict statutory requirements and the current regulatory processes that some state governments employ. Please click here to view the article.

Robinson+Cole Earns Six Practice Area Rankings in Chambers USA 2015

The legal directory Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized Robinson+Cole in six practice area categories in its 2015 edition and has individually recognized 19 of the firm's lawyers, including one lawyer recognized nationwide.

Robinson+Cole earned rankings in each of the practice areas that Chambers USA covers in Connecticut: Corporate/M&A, Environment, Healthcare, Labor &Employment, Litigation: General Commercial, and Real Estate.

See the Robinson+Cole lawyers included in Chambers USA 2015 in the full news release.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Present Update on Managed Care Litigation

Health and benefits litigation lawyers Theodore J. Tucci and Jean E. Tomasco presented a webinar entitled "Managed Care Litigation Update 2015" for a firm client in the specialty risk insurance industry on April 8, 2015. Mr. Tucci covered litigation concerning provider reimbursement and network management, benefits recoupment cases under ERISA, and potential antitrust exposure from consolidation and new market models. He also spoke about possible claims arising under the Affordable Care Act. Ms. Tomasco provided an overview of recent cases concerning benefits coverage discrimination claims and mental health parity, as well as an update on litigation under the False Claims Act and lawsuits arising from recent data breaches in the health care industry. Well over 80 professionals from across the nation and from a wide range of health care settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and managed care organizations, registered for the webinar.

Virginia McGarrity Is Guest Lecturer at SCOTUS Symposium

Virginia E. McGarrity, employee benefits lawyer in the Hartford office, was a guest lecturer for a Supreme Court symposium at Quinnipiac University School of Law on March 30, 2015. Her topic, King v. Burwell, is the latest challenge to a key component of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act—the premium tax subsidy. The symposium was part of a 14-week course on the Supreme Court of the United States that focuses on seven blockbuster cases before the Court this term. Each case is discussed in two classes: in the first class, guests lecture on the case's factual and legal background, as well as on its vulnerability for each side, and in the second class, students present moot court-style oral arguments.

Brian Nichols Is Contributing Author for Clinical Integration

Health law lawyer Brian D. Nichols recently co-authored the book Clinical Integration: Population Health and Accountable Care, third edition. The book, a comprehensive compilation of current understanding of the evolution of clinically integrated networks (CINs) and accountable care organizations (ACOs) across the US health care system, looks into the early results of the Affordable Care Act and updates its chapters on financial management, quality, primary care, regulatory, leadership, network evolution, health information technology, and comparative effectiveness research. To find out more about the book, please click here.

Virginia McGarrity Presents on Health Care Reform

Employee benefits lawyer Virginia E. McGarrity presented a continuing education session sponsored by ConnectiCare to a group of approximately 40 large group brokers on March 2, 2015. The session, "Advising Your Clients on Health Care Reform," covered common issues and questions brokers will face from large employers concerning control group rules, employer mandate penalties, and the Cadillac tax.

In addition, Ms. McGarrity co-conducted with Tim Harlan from Express Scripts an in-house training session, "Large Group Health Care Reform and Pharmacy Trends," for ConnectiCare on February 4. 2015. Participants included large group sales staff, actuaries, and benefits managers as well as account managers, underwriters, product management staff, and medical analytics staff.

Les Levinson Selected to Serve on Law360's 2015 Health Advisory Board

Health law and business transactions partner Leslie J. Levinson has been selected to serve another year as a board member on the Health Editorial Advisory Board for Law360. Board members obtain information on Law360's coverage as well as find out from experts in the field on how best to plan future coverage. In addition, board members help reporters and editors understand complex legal issues and also contribute content to the newsletter though interviews and expert analysis.

Law 360, operated by the LexisNexis subsidiary Portfolio Media Company, is a an online daily newswire that offers subscription-based legal news for business lawyers.

Les Levinson Quoted in Part B News

Health law and business transactions lawyer Leslie J. Levinson was quoted in the January 5, 2015, issue of Part B News, an edition that features 2015 predictions regarding the health care system, with input from industry experts. Mr. Levinson is quoted in the section "Practice-buying will slow in 2015—but some markets will keep booming." To prepare to deal with buyer inquiries, Mr. Levinson advises physician practices to work with advisors in the legal, clinical, and financial areas. As a result, "the practice will shine and questions that are likely to be asked on diligence will be thought through as best as possible and addressed in advance."

Part B News provides guidance, analysis, and news concerning Medicare Part B payment, coding, and billing rules for physician practices. Mr. Levinson is co-chair of Robinson+Cole's Transactional Health Law Group.

Health Law Lawyers Pen Article for Becker's Hospital Review

Health Law Group lawyers Leslie J. Levinson and Nathaniel T. Arden wrote the article "Recent Case Law Extends Stark Law to Medicaid," published in Becker's Hospital Review on December 2, 2014. In the article, Mr. Levinson and Mr. Arden discuss several recent federal district court decisions that contradict the long-held belief that the federal physician self-referral law, known as the Stark Law, applies only to Medicare claims and does not apply to Medicaid claims. They analyze each court's reasoning in applying the Stark Law to Medicaid claims and address the potential impact these decisions may have on health care providers. Please click here to view the article.

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Honored as “New Leaders in the Law” at Celebration Dinner

Robinson+Cole lawyers Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Sorell E. Negro, Brian D. Nichols, and Keisha S. Palmer were among 60 attorneys, all under age 40, recognized as "New Leaders in the Law" at an awards dinner on November 6, 2014, at The Bond Ballroom in downtown Hartford. American Bar Association President James R. Silkenat was the honorary guest speaker. The Connecticut Law Tribune presented the awards and previously recognized the lawyers in its 2014 New Leaders in the Law Yearbook. Honorees were selected based on examples of their legal work, pro bono efforts, and community involvement. Robinson+Cole lawyers Lisa M. Boyle, Candice M. Cunningham, Andrew L. Kramer, and David M. Panico attended the event. To view a photo from the event, click here.

Robinson+Cole Welcomes New Lawyers

Robinson+Cole continues to expand its lawyer roster with the addition of five new associates across its practice areas. The lawyers join the firm's Hartford, Stamford, and New York offices and their arrival corresponds with that of Leslie J. Levinson, who, as previously announced, joined the firm as a partner and co-chair of Robinson+Cole's Transactional Health Law Group in the firm's Metro New York offices.

"The arrival of these associates strengthens Robinson+Cole's practice groups, allowing the firm to more effectively and completely serve clients throughout our reach," said Joey Lee Miranda, partner in the Environmental + Utilities Group and chair of the firm's Hiring Committee. "We are very pleased to have them on board and bring their experiences to our teams and our clients."

Robinson+Cole Lawyers Named “New Leaders in the Law”

The Connecticut Law Tribune has recognized Robinson+Cole lawyers Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, Sorell E. Negro, Brian D. Nichols, and Keisha S. Palmer as New Leaders in the Law. They are among 60 attorneys, all under age 40, recognized in the New Leaders in the Law 2014 Yearbook and will be honored at an awards dinner on November 6 at The Bond Ballroom in downtown Hartford. The Connecticut Law Tribune received more than 300 award nominations, and honorees were selected based on examples of their legal work, pro bono efforts, and community involvement. Read more in the press release here.

Hartford Lawyers Present Risk Management Webinar

Health law lawyer Theodore J. Tucci and business litigation lawyer Andrea Donovan Napp presented the webinar "E-discovery: Risk Management for Health Care Providers and Business Associates" on September 17, 2014. Their audience comprised over 100 brokers and health care insureds of a firm client. Mr. Tucci and Ms. Napp covered the emerging legal liability risks faced by hospitals and health care systems faced with requests for broad electronic discovery of patient health and medical information. In addition, they offered risk management strategies designed to mitigate those risks.

Robinson+Cole Expands Health Law Practice with Two New Lawyers

Robinson+Cole has further expanded the reach of its health law practice with the addition of Leslie J. Levinson and Christopher J.Librandi to its team. Mr. Levinson has joined Robinson+Cole's Health Law Group as a partner and co-chair of the firm's Transactional Health Law Group in the firm's New York City office, and Mr. Librandi has joined the group as an associate resident in the firm's Stamford office.

Robinson+Cole Welcomes Six New Lawyers

Robinson+Cole is pleased to welcome to the firm five new associates and one counsel across its practice areas. The lawyers join the firm's Boston, Hartford, and Stamford offices and their arrival corresponds with that of Matthew T. Miklave, who, as previously announced, joined the firm as a partner to head Robinson+Cole's labor and employment practice in the firm's Metro New York offices.

Robinson+Cole Earns Rankings in Chambers USA 2014 in all Connecticut Practice Areas

The legal directory Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized Robinson+Cole in six practice area categories in its 2014 edition and has individually recognized 21 of the firm's lawyers, including three labor and employment lawyers who are ranked for the first time, one as an "Associate to Watch."  

Adding the Labor & Employment ranking this year gives Robinson+Cole rankings in all the practice areas that Chambers USA covers in Connecticut: Corporate/M&A, Environment, Healthcare, Labor & Employment, Litigation: General Commercial, and Real Estate.

Robinson+Cole’s Health Law Group Makes ABA’s Top List

The American Bar Association's (ABA) Health Law Section recognized Robinson+Cole's Health Law Group in its inaugural "Annual Regional Law FirmRecognition." The practice ranked seventh in the Top 10 list for the Northeast Region.

The regional lists were published in the ABA Health Law Section Voice of the Health Law Bar spring magazine. The Northeast region covers New York through Maine and Robinson+Cole was the only firm listed in Connecticut. The ABA's Health Law Section has more than 9,500 members, and the Top 10 list recognizes its member firms that had the largest number of lawyers in 2013.

Robinson & Cole Elects Four New Partners and Promotes Six Counsel

Robinson & Cole Receives 34 First-Tier Metropolitan Rankings and Three National Rankings in U.S. News – Best Lawyers Survey

Super Lawyers® Names 61 Robinson & Cole Attorneys to 2013 List

Hartford Office Lawyers Elected to Executive Committee of CBA's Young Lawyers Section

Robinson & Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Attorney Count in Best Lawyers National Peer Review Survey

Robinson & Cole was again recognized as having the highest number of attorneys in Connecticut selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2014 (Copyright 2013 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.). Across the firm's practice groups and offices, 56 attorneys were named to this year's list, including 48 in Connecticut and 2 who received the distinction for the first time.

Additionally, three lawyers were named "Lawyer of the Year" for 2014. Judith M. Keppelman was named Hartford Trusts and Estates "Lawyer of the Year," Dwight H. Merriam was named Hartford Litigation - Real Estate "Lawyer of the Year," and James A. Wade was named Hartford Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants "Lawyer of the Year."

Chambers USA Ranks Robinson & Cole in Five Practices, Names 17 Attorneys as Leading Lawyers

The legal directory Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized Robinson & Cole in five practice area categories in its 2013 edition and has individually recognized 17 of the firm's lawyers, including two who are ranked for the first time.
 

Ted Tucci Quoted in Law360 Article for Health Law

Robinson & Cole Attorneys Appointed to Board of Directors of Nonprofits

Robinson & Cole Receives 32 First-Tier Metropolitan Rankings and Four National Rankings in U.S.News - Best Lawyers Survey

Super Lawyers® Names 49 Robinson & Cole Attorneys to 2012 List and Recognizes 26 as Rising Stars

A total of 49 Robinson & Cole attorneys were named Super Lawyers® in the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island for 2012. The Super Lawyers® designation is based on regional balloting by attorneys, third-party research, and a peer review process encompassing myriad practice areas.

In addition, 26 attorneys at the firm were recognized as "Rising Stars." Read an explanation of the Super Lawyers methodology here.

Recognized attorneys and their areas of practice can be read in the full press release.

Robinson & Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Attorney Count in Best Lawyers National Peer Review Survey

Robinson & Cole LLP was again recognized as having the highest number of attorneys in Connecticut selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2013 (© 2012 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.). Across the firm's practice groups and offices, 55 attorneys were named to this year's list, including 46 in Connecticut and 10 who received the distinction for the first time.

Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey in which more than 4.4 million confidential evaluations are submitted by attorneys on the legal abilities of other lawyers in their practice areas. Additional information regarding the Best Lawyers selection methodology may be read here. Corporate Counsel magazine has called Best Lawyers "the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice."

Ted Tucci on Panel Discussion about the Supreme Court’s Ruling on Health Care

Theodore J. Tucci to Participate in the Metro Hartford Alliance’s Panel Discussion on the U.S. Supreme Court’s Ruling on Health Care Reform

• Theodore J. Tucci, Partner, Robinson & Cole LLP
• Kevin Counihan, Chief Executive Officer, Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange
• J. Bruce Boisture, Of Counsel, Day Pitney LLP

Chambers USA Ranks Robinson & Cole in Five Practices, Names 16 Attorneys as Leading Lawyers

Robinson & Cole LLP announced today that the legal directory Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized the firm in five practice area categories in its 2012 edition and has individually recognized 16 of the firm's attorneys.

Robinson & Cole Welcomes New Health Law Attorneys

Class Dismissed! Appellate Team Wins Summary Judgment for Health Insurer

Chambers USA Ranks Robinson & Cole in Six Practices, Names 12 Attorneys as Leading Lawyers

Robinson & Cole LLP announced today that the legal directory Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized the firm in six practice area categories in its 2011 edition; 12 of the firm's attorneys have been individually recognized.

Health Law Attorneys Publish ACO Regulations Article in Connecticut Law Tribune

Robinson & Cole Attorneys Present Webinar on Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)

Attorneys Present Webinar on Accountable Care Organizations

Robinson & Cole Attorneys Present Medicaid Audit Defense Seminar

Health and Benefits Litigators Win “Appropriate Care” Disability Insurance Case

The insured, a dentist, claimed to be totally disabled due to bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The policies required that to be eligible for benefits, the insured must receive regular and personal physician’s care that is appropriate, under prevailing medical standards, for his condition. The insured refused to pursue carpal tunnel release surgery after more conservative treatments failed to help. On behalf of Paul Revere, Ms. Tomasco and Mr. Tucci filed an action in U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut seeking a declaratory judgment that the insurer owed no duty to pay additional benefits and that it was entitled to repayment of certain benefits. Both parties cross-moved for summary judgment on the complaint. Ruling in favor of Paul Revere, the court held that the language of the policies unambiguously imposed on the insured the duty to seek and accept appropriate medical care for his condition. The court further determined, given the undisputed facts of the case, that by forgoing release surgery the insured failed to comply with the “appropriate care” provisions and no longer qualified for benefits. The court also ruled in favor of Paul Revere on the insured’s statutory bad faith and other counterclaims.

The firm believes this is the first reported decision in the country to grant summary judgment to a disability insurer on whether the insured’s failure to obtain surgery violates an appropriate care requirement.

Health Care Attorneys Talk Strategy with Hospitals

VNA Health Care Elects Attorney to Board of Directors

Robinson & Cole LLP Receives Most Connecticut First-Tier Rankings in Inaugural U.S.News - Best Lawyers Survey

Health Law Group Hosted Webinar on New Electronic Health Record Requirements

Robinson & Cole Partner Quoted in Hartford Business Journal on Health Care Reform Impact to Local Businesses

Robinson & Cole Attorneys Author CT Law Tribune Article on Expansion of Fraud and Abuse Laws Under Reform Legislation

Robinson & Cole Attorneys Featured in Health Care Reform Book

Robinson & Cole Attorney Speaks at Regional Economic Development Forum

Connecticut Governor Appoints Robinson & Cole Attorney to Advisory Committee