General Counsel

OAHHS is seeking a key contributor for a newly created position, General Counsel. Founded in 1934, the Oregon Association of Hospitals & Health Systems (OAHHS) is a statewide, non-profit trade association that represents Oregon’s acute care hospitals on the domains of advocacy, policy development, quality improvement, and data and analytics. OAHHS works closely with local and national government leaders, business and citizen coalitions, and other professional health care organizations to enhance and promote community health and to continue improving Oregon’s innovative health care community.

The General Counsel provides legal counsel and assistance to all areas of OAHHS & its subsidiaries as well as corporate governance services to the Board of Directors. Reporting to the CEO, the General Counsel (GC) is a key member of the Leadership Team and provides legal leadership across the organization. The GC is responsible for legal affairs, including contracts, negotiations, structuring and compliance issues, corporate governance, litigation management, employment matters and business transactions.

The GC will be a strategic thinker while being able, and willing, to dive in and out of details. They will be able to apply sound business acumen with thoughtful and comprehensive legal advice while navigating a fast paced, high volume and collaborative working environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Provide guidance to the Board of Directors and Leadership Team on legal matters related to all aspects of operations

Maintain the highest level of professional and ethical standards, acting in compliance with both the letter and spirit of applicable laws and regulations

In coordination with the Executive VP, manage the contract process, including drafting and reviewing contracts, agreements, and memorandums of understanding between the association and its subsidiaries related to organizations and outside entities

Under the direction of the Senior Vice President of Policy and Strategy, assist with advocacy efforts before the Oregon legislature, including reviewing and drafting legislation, appearing before legislative committees, working with legislative staff, and monitoring legislative developments affecting hospitals and health systems

Advocates on behalf of the Association with regulators, legislators, state and federal agencies and government contractors

Provides legal and compliance updates to the board

Staff the OAHHS Compliance Committee and develop educational materials for members regarding proposed or new legislation, regulations, and accreditation standards

Serve as the Compliance Officer and HIPAA Privacy Officer for the Association and its subsidiaries

Manage and coordinate the engagement of outside legal services for OAHHS and subsidiaries, which includes overall budget responsibility for this work

Serve as organizational representative and spokesperson at public meetings, formal and informal briefings, workshops, on issues complex legal issues related to our sector

Participate in AHA Allied Legal Counsel group, American Health Lawyers Association and other relevant health law societies and groups

Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school required. Further education and experience in healthcare and public policy desirable

Must be licensed to practice in Oregon and be a current member of the Oregon State Bar Association in good standing.

Minimum of 10+ years’ experience as a practicing attorney with health care experience

Extensive knowledge of state and federal health care regulatory and legal environment

Experience with the legislative and regulatory process. Experience in Oregon preferred.

Knowledge and familiarity with HIPAA, privacy, and security matters

Skill in decision-making and judgment involving complex relationships and competing interests

Ability to speak publicly concerning health care legal issues

Excellent analytical, writing and communication skills

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

401(k)

Dental insurance

Disability insurance

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance