Healthcare Regulatory Compliance Attorneys in Houston

Protecting Healthcare Providers from Regulatory Risks Before They Become Costly Investigations

At Hendershot Cowart P.C., we help healthcare professionals and medical practices across the United States navigate the complex web of federal and state healthcare regulations. Our attorneys combine deep regulatory knowledge with practical business understanding to keep your practice compliant and your focus on patient care.

What We Do

We provide proactive compliance counsel for healthcare providers facing regulatory requirements, including:

• False Claims Act compliance and defense
• Anti-Kickback Statute advisory and violation defense
• Stark Law compliance for physician referrals
• HIPAA privacy and security requirements and compliance obligations for covered entities
• Medicare and Medicaid program compliance
• State healthcare regulations and licensing

Call (713) 783-3110 to schedule a consultation with our Houston healthcare compliance lawyers.

Why Compliance Matters

Regulatory violations can trigger federal investigations, multimillion-dollar penalties, and exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid programs. We identify compliance gaps before regulators do and implement practical safeguards that protect your practice without disrupting patient care.

Whether you're structuring a new practice, executing a healthcare transaction, or updating compliance programs, our healthcare regulatory compliance attorneys provide the guidance you need to operate confidently within the law.

When You Need Healthcare Compliance Counsel 

Contact our healthcare compliance attorneys if you are: 

• Starting a new practice. Establish compliant billing, documentation, and operational procedures from day one 
• Entering a business transaction. Structure joint ventures, MSAs, or equipment leases to comply with Stark and Anti-Kickback laws with experienced counsel
• Updating existing programs. We can help you audit current compliance plans to address regulatory changes or identified gaps 
• Facing regulatory scrutiny. Our healthcare team can guide you through responses to government inquiries, audit requests, or investigation notices 
• Expanding services. Adding new procedures, locations, or partnerships can trigger compliance obligations

Compliance in Healthcare Transactions, Agreements, & New Practices

Healthcare transactions must comply with multiple overlapping regulations including Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, and False Claims Act. We structure compliant arrangements for:

• Joint Ventures & Partnerships, including physician-hospital joint ventures, ASC partnerships and ownership structures, and diagnostic imaging center investments 
• Medical Spas, Ketamine Clinics, and IV Hydration Clinics, from ownership structures and delegation authority to compliant marketing and advertising arrangements
• Management Services Agreements (MSAs) that comply with Texas's prohibition against the corporate practice of medicine
• Real Estate & Equipment, such as medical office leases that comply with Stark Law, equipment purchase and lease agreements, and fair market value assessments 
• Pharmacy Setup & Services, including compounding pharmacies, telehealth services, and in-office dispensing compliance

Each arrangement requires careful structuring to ensure compliance with fraud and abuse laws while achieving your business objectives.

Building Effective Healthcare Compliance Plans

A comprehensive compliance program protects your practice from regulatory violations and demonstrates good faith efforts if issues arise. We help healthcare organizations implement the OIG's seven essential elements:

1. Written Policies & Procedures: Documented standards covering billing practices, documentation requirements, conflicts of interest, and regulatory adherence. 
2. Compliance Officer & Committee: Designated leadership responsible for overseeing compliance activities, monitoring regulatory changes, and coordinating training.
3. Employee Training & Education: Regular training programs to ensure all staff understand compliance requirements and organizational policies. 
4. Open Communication Channels: Anonymous reporting mechanisms and "speak up" culture to allow employees to raise concerns without fear of retaliation.
5. Auditing & Monitoring: Regular internal audits of billing, coding, and documentation practices to identify and correct issues proactively. 
6. Enforcement & Discipline: Clear consequences for policy violations, applied consistently across the organization. 
7. Response & Corrective Action: Procedures for investigating violations, implementing corrections, and preventing recurrence.

Compliance Auditing Best Practices 

We recommend that healthcare practices and medical clinics conduct internal audits at least annually, reviewing:

• 5+ medical records per federal payer
• 5-10 medical records per physician
• Billing and coding accuracy
• Documentation completeness
• Compliance with payer-specific requirements 

Regular auditing identifies issues before external auditors or government agencies do and ensures your practice is up to date on policy changes and regulatory updates.

Protect Your Practice with Proactive Healthcare Compliance Counsel

Don't wait for a government audit or investigation to address compliance gaps. Our healthcare regulatory compliance attorneys help you identify risks, implement safeguards, and operate with confidence.

Call (713) 783-3110 to schedule a consultation. Our Houston-based healthcare compliance attorneys serve clients throughout Texas and nationwide.