Associate General Counsel

CarePoint Health is one of New Jersey’s leading health care systems comprised of three long-standing and highly-regarded hospitals – Christ Hospital in Jersey City, Hoboken University Medical Center and Bayonne Medical Center. CarePoint united three area hospitals to provide 360-degree-coordinated care by integrating the medical facilities and physician networks associated with these institutions. With over 4,500 employees, CarePoint is the largest private employer in Hudson County, New Jersey and each year provides care to over 300,000 individuals.

CarePoint prides itself on its patient-focused approach to care delivery, with an emphasis on preventative medicine, health education, and disease management. Leveraging its vast network of physicians and healthcare experts, CarePoint is quickly becoming recognized as a leader in the broader healthcare landscape as it pioneers creative solutions to address urgent population health needs.

The Associate General Counsel will provide legal counsel and support to the hospital and its leadership team, focusing on compliance with healthcare laws and regulations, labor and employment matters, contract management, risk management, and litigation. The Associate General Counsel will work closely with the General Counsel to ensure the hospital remains compliant with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, while protecting the organization from legal risks and promoting sound legal practices across departments. The Assistant General Counsel will:

Healthcare Law Compliance:

• Ensure the hospital is compliant with federal and state healthcare laws, including but not limited to HIPAA, EMTALA, Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, and the False Claims Act.
• Provide guidance on accreditation and regulatory matters, including those from the Joint Commission, Medicare, Medicaid, and state health agencies.
• Advise on patient care issues, medical ethics, and consent, including end-of-life care, guardianship, and medical decision-making authority.

Risk Management:

• Collaborate with the risk management department to minimize legal exposure through proactive legal advice, training, and policy development.
• Assist in managing malpractice claims, patient grievances, and other legal issues that arise in an acute-care setting.
• Advise on strategies for reducing liability, particularly concerning patient safety, compliance audits, and quality control initiatives.

Contracts:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of healthcare-related agreements, including vendor contracts, physician employment agreements, managed care agreements, service contracts, and equipment leases.
• Ensure contracts comply with applicable healthcare regulations and reflect the hospital’s best interests.

Employment and Labor Law:

• Provide counsel on employment-related matters, including employee discipline, labor disputes, union negotiations, workplace safety, wage and hour compliance, and employee benefits.
• Address employee grievances and represent the hospital in matters before labor boards or during arbitration.
• Assist with union negotiations and ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements.

Litigation Management:

• Manage legal claims, litigation, and regulatory investigations, including overseeing outside counsel when necessary.
• Represent the hospital in court proceedings, mediations, and arbitrations on matters such as employment disputes, malpractice claims, and contract disputes.

Medical Staff Relations:

• Advise on matters related to medical staff credentialing, peer review, and disciplinary actions.
• Ensure compliance with medical staff bylaws and advise on issues concerning physician-hospital relationships, privileges, and credentialing.

Regulatory Matters:

• Advise on hospital operations to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, including those related to patient privacy, healthcare fraud, antitrust laws, and medical device/pharmaceutical procurement.
• Monitor developments in healthcare law and communicate their impact to hospital leadership.

Policy Development and Training:

• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop, revise, and implement hospital policies and procedures in compliance with state and federal laws.
• Provide legal training to hospital staff on topics such as compliance, risk management, healthcare privacy laws (HIPAA), patient rights, and labor issues.

• Education:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.

• License:
  • Active and in good standing to practice law in New Jersey (or eligibility for in-house counsel status).

• Experience:
  • Minimum of 5-7 years of legal experience, with significant time spent in healthcare law, either in-house or in a law firm.
    Strong understanding of healthcare regulatory laws, including HIPAA, Stark Law, EMTALA, and Anti-Kickback Statute.
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas: corporate governance, contracts, employment law, regulatory compliance, litigation, or mergers and acquisitions.

• Skills:
  • Strong legal research and writing skills.
  • Excellent negotiation and contract management abilities.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with various stakeholders.
  • Experience in the healthcare or [industry-specific] sector is a plus.

Competitive pay
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k with Company match
• Generous paid time off
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Advancement and career development opportunities

Influenza Vaccinations are a requirement for employment at CarePoint Health. If you are
not currently vaccinated you will be required to receive the vaccination prior to hire date if you are
offered employment, unless you request and receive an approved medical or religious exemption from
CarePoint.