Chief Legal/Risk Officer

Job Summary

The Chief Legal/Risk Officer (CLRO) reports to the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible to provide legal guidance, oversee all legal functions of the organization, and serve as risk manager. The CLRO is a member of senior leadership and participates in overall leadership responsibilities. The CLRO also serves as Privacy Officer and provides oversight of the Medical Records Department. The CLRO will assist with corporate strategic initiatives and provide senior leadership with effective advice on these strategies and their implementation.

Legal Responsibilities:

Provide legal advice to the organization through its Board, CEO, Senior Leadership, Medical Staff and other stakeholders.

• Participate in organizational strategic planning and provide legal advice regarding potential liabilities or other risks associated with operations, new business ventures and projects.
• Review and, as necessary, draft and update hospital policies and procedures -- especially those related to Safety, Risk Management and Human Resources – to ensure that they are legally sound and enforceable.
• Manage litigation and administrative actions by representing the hospital in legal matters such as mediations; selecting and overseeing legal counsel; and developing and implementing legal strategies to address and, when appropriate, resolve legal disputes.
• Review, draft, negotiate and manage contracts.
• Review and update Hospital Governing Body and Medical Staff Bylaws and other governance documents.
• Review and provide legal guidance as necessary regarding employment matters.
• Review legal developments, including legislation and regulations, and provide updates to Senior Leadership, Board of Directors and staff as necessary.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local, state and federal authorities, including payers, regulatory agencies, criminal justice agencies, law enforcement, the coroner’s office, and the judiciary.
• Advise and collaborate with the Medical Staff, physicians, psychiatrists and providers.
• Educate staff on their legal responsibilities to the organization and its patients.
• Serve as Administrator on Call in a regular rotation schedule.

Risk Management Responsibilities:

• Serve as Risk Manager and Designated Accident and Illness Prevention Program Coordinator.
• Prepare an annual organizational risk assessment with action steps to manage identified concerns and review outcomes.
• Oversee the insurance renewal process and manage the organization’s insurance portfolio.
• Review and Investigate incidents, initiate actions to address risk concerns and report to the insurance company if necessary.
• Manage outside counsel involved in litigation and administrative claims.
• Investigate workplace injuries and manage Workers Compensation litigation cases.

Privacy Responsibilities:

• Serve as Privacy Officer.
• Provide guidance to the organization and staff regarding privacy issues and assist the organization in maintaining compliance with privacy laws and regulations.
• Draft confidentiality agreements and non-disclosure agreements to protect confidential information.
• Collaborate with other departments including, but not limited to: Medical Records regarding release of information requests and Information Security to preserve confidentiality.
• Manage the breach notification process.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Complete all required trainings.
• Comply with current Hospital Safety and Infection Control policies.
• Perform special assignments and other duties as assigned by the CEO.

Education:

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited institution
• Bachelor’s degree

Experience:

• Must be a member in good standing of the Pennsylvania Bar.
• Must have at least 10 years of experience as a practicing attorney.
• In-house experience at a hospital or behavioral health organization preferred.

Core Competencies:

• Must possess personal integrity, honesty and empathy, with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the mission, vision, goals and values of the hospital.
• In-depth knowledge of nonprofit corporate law and health care law.
• Excellent research, writing and communication skills.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate well with colleague senior leaders.
• Strong computer and organizational skills.
• The ability to multi-task.

Primary Areas of Responsibility:

1. Legal Services
2. Risk Management
3. Privacy
4. Medical Records