Kevin Wood, Corinne Smith, Marshall Meringola and Michael Smith, seasoned healthcare attorneys with years of experience, have joined Winstead PC’s Healthcare Industry Group in Austin.

The group adds to Winstead’s expanding healthcare practice which handles a wide range of transactions, compliance, and dispute resolution matters involving the growing and dynamic healthcare business sector. Winstead’s healthcare attorneys represent hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, physician groups, home health agencies, senior living and long term care facilities, wellness companies, health information technology companies, third party administrators, pharmaceutical manufacturers, medical device manufacturers and various healthcare facilities, vendors and business entities on transactions, litigation, government investigations, and corporate and regulatory healthcare issues.

“We are dedicated to exceeding client expectations, and the addition of these highly-respected healthcare practitioners will help us continue to do that while growing our practice,” said Sarah Churchill Llamas, head of Winstead’s Healthcare Industry Group. “We are really looking forward to working together.”

Kevin Wood helps all types of healthcare providers navigate the complex and ever-changing rules that control how providers enter business arrangements with each other. Most providers want to solely focus on delivering quality healthcare to their patients. As one of the most regulated industries, though, healthcare providers face many other challenges that demand their attentions. Kevin works to ensure he is aware of the latest challenges facing providers and others in the healthcare industry and is able to provide practical solutions. These challenges include complying with federal and state fraud and abuse laws, ensuring the privacy and security of patient information, and being prepared should federal or state agencies knock on the door.

“Winstead already has a strong healthcare practice and is deeply committed to the healthcare industry,” said Kevin Wood. “Our team sees great value in working with professionals who are as dedicated as we are, and we look forward to helping Winstead further build upon its commitment to healthcare organizations throughout the country.”

Corinne Smith advises clients about complex healthcare transactions, leading physician alignment strategies and contracting, strategic growth and partnership, and hospital and physician practice operations and risk management. She is board certified in healthcare management as a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). Corinne previously spent nearly a decade providing sophisticated legal service to healthcare giants Ascension/Seton Healthcare Family and UT Health Science Center at San Antonio. She held the titles of Director of Legal Services and Chief of Strategic Partnerships and Legal Counsel, respectively and gained in-depth technical knowledge regarding the nuances of Stark law, Anti-Kickback, False Claims Act, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, HIPAA, managed care contracting, licensure and regulatory compliance, public/private partnerships and healthcare operations.

“We are so impressed with the enthusiasm of the Winstead attorneys and feel that the synergies with our team will result in an enhanced platform for our healthcare practice,” said Corinne Smith. “The combination of Winstead's healthcare real estate, healthcare M&A and healthcare finance experience with our healthcare regulatory, operational and transaction practice results in an unparalleled service offering to healthcare providers in Texas and across the country.”

Marshall Meringola is a corporate securities attorney with an emphasis on corporate transactions and arrangements within the healthcare industry. In addition to assisting clients with corporate formations, governance, private offerings, and mergers and acquisitions, Marshall dedicates a significant portion of his practice to advising healthcare providers and healthcare-related entities on a variety of regulatory matters.

Michael Smith focuses his practice on corporate, legislative, regulatory and policy matters related to the healthcare industry. His experience includes advising clients on the organization and operation of physician practices and other healthcare ventures; drafting and negotiating of corporate contracts, including general employment, physician recruitment, independent contractor, management, and lease agreements; and assisting with business transactions, including mergers, asset sales, and transfers of ownership interests. Michael has particular knowledge regarding federal and state healthcare laws and regulations, including privacy and security (HIPAA, HITECH Act, Texas Medical Records Privacy Act), fraud and abuse (Anti-kickback Statute, Stark law, and False Claims Act), and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

About Winstead

Winstead is a national business law firm with more than 300 attorneys who serve as trusted advisors to emerging, mid-market and large companies, both public and private. The Winstead team provides a range of core legal services that are critical to our clients achieving their business goals. Winstead’s business transactions and litigation practices serve key industries including aviation, financial services, healthcare, investment management/private equity, life sciences, real estate and sports business.

The following news outlets have reported on the expansion:

Texas Lawyer

Law360