Interim Chief Operations Counsel Bridges Gap Ahead of Hospital Sale

Interim Chief Operations Counsel Bridges Gap Ahead of Hospital Sale

PROBLEM

A leading integrated healthcare system operating hospitals, clinics, and outpatient centers across multiple states was struggling to fill a key legal leadership role after the departure of its Chief Operations Counsel, who served as the lead attorney for all the company’s hospitals in a given geographic territory. With plans to sell those specific hospitals underway, the position’s uncertain future made it difficult to attract qualified candidates. Yet the need for legal oversight related to daily operations, physician arrangements, Stark and Anti-Kickback compliance, and complex contracts remained critical. On the recommendation of another Latitude client, the legal team turned to Latitude for support.

SOLUTION

To address the gap, Latitude recommended a contract engagement (to run through the conclusion of the anticipated sale) rather than a full-time hire and provided a highly credentialed interim attorney with more than 40 years of experience, including former General Counsel roles for multiple healthcare organizations. His background included leading M&A transactions, overseeing compliance programs, and managing complex contracts in hospital and health system environments. With Latitude’s attorney in place, the health system gained immediate legal leadership to support operations in its hospitals and manage risk through the sale process. After the transaction closed, the acquiring company’s in-house counsel stepped into the role, and Latitude’s engagement successfully concluded.