General Counsel

Description

JOB TYPE: Full-Time

Who We Are:

As the only independent and physician‑led faculty practice plan of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, University Clinical Health (UCH) offers best‑in‑class clinical care through a network of 175+ providers across 19 specialties to meet the healthcare needs of the Mid‑South community. UCH is a not‑for‑profit, non‑tax‑supported group practice and is here to serve the community while providing medical excellence to our patients.

Position Summary:

The General Counsel serves as the chief legal advisor to the organization and is responsible for overseeing all legal, regulatory, compliance, privacy, and risk management matters affecting UCH. This role is a member of the UCH Executive team and provides strategic legal guidance to executive, physician and operational leadership, manages outside counsel, and serves as the organization's designated Compliance and Privacy Officer under HIPAA.

The General Counsel &Privacy Officer helps ensure the organization operates in compliance with applicable federal and state laws, healthcare regulations, payer requirements, and industry best practices while supporting business growth, physician alignment, and operational excellence.

Key Results Areas (KRAs):

• Serves as the principal legal advisor to the CEO, executive leadership team, Board of Directors, and affiliated entities. Provides practical, business-oriented legal advice that supports organizational objectives.
• Supports governance activities for UCH and affiliated entities, including the preparation of board resolutions, corporate records, and governance documents.
• Provides counsel regarding all applicable federal and state healthcare laws and regulations, as well as state licensing, professional practice requirements, and provider enrollment/reimbursement matters.
• Serves as the UCH Compliance Officer, and leads regulatory investigations, audits, and inquiries. Develops and implements policies and procedures for the Corporate and Billing Compliance programs to prevent illegal, unethical or improper conduct.
• Serves as UCH Privacy Officer, and develops and implements privacy policies and procedures in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Investigates potential privacy breaches, and coordinates breach response activities.
• Manages Health Information Management services, and oversees patient rights requests.
• Coordinates all UCH compliance and privacy training and awareness programs and efforts.
• Manages the UCH Contract Management Database, and drafts and reviews corporate agreements, contracts, leases, and payer agreements.
• Directs all litigation and outside counsel, and manages legal budget and spend. Directs responses to subpoenas, government inquiries, and administrative proceedings, as well as advises Human Resources regarding applicable employment and labor law.
• Oversees UCH incident reporting, professional liability matters, and corporate insurance coverage to ensure UCH’s interests are protected.

Education & Experience:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from accredited law school required.
• Active license in good standing to practice law in the State of Tennessee.
• 10 years of progressively responsible legal experience required. Experience supporting physician practices or health systems strongly preferred.
• Experience serving as a Privacy Officer and leading privacy compliance initiatives strongly preferred.
• Experience with physician transactions, employment matters, and healthcare regulatory compliance strongly preferred.
• Deep understanding of healthcare regulatory and reimbursement environments.
• Strong knowledge of HIPAA, HITECH, Stark Law, Anti‑Kickback Statute, and healthcare fraud and abuse laws.
• Demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation and drafting.
• Strong business judgment and risk assessment capabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• High degree of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Highly proficient in MS Office: Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Physical Demands & Environmental Conditions:

• Indoor office environment: requires standing, sitting, keyboard use, and repetitive hand motion daily.
• 100% in office position.