Clinical Contract Attorney

General Description of the Job Class

This position has significant responsibility for the development of contracts primarily for Duke University Health System and Duke University’s Schools of Medicine and Nursing related to community-based clinical, programmatic, and educational services and activities.  General responsibilities include the following:  1) advising to ensure that all contractual arrangements are compliant with legal, regulatory and internal Duke requirements; 2) facilitating and coordinating communication with and among internal Duke business and legal stakeholders (e.g., legal counsel, risk management, corporate compliance, administrators, business managers, program directors and clinical leaders) to ensure appropriate internal review and input for each contract; 3) overseeing the contracting process efficiently from development through full execution; and 4) monitoring implemented contracts through periodic review and communication with the appropriate Duke business-owner for the service.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

Planning

1. Collaborate with business team to develop contracts for clinical services, programmatic and educational services and activities, with a focus on ensuring that proposed services align with applicable legal and regulatory requirements and internal Duke policies, standards and procedures.

1. Review proposed services with business team and recommend alternatives as appropriate and necessary to reduce risk and align with applicable legal, regulatory and Duke standards.

1. Manage communication with counsel and/or administrative contacts at external parties regarding contract negotiation and finalization.

1. Serve as the primary contracting liaison to the Office of Graduate Medical Education, School of Nursing, School of Medicine, Hospital Education and other offices and programs related to educational rotations, both outgoing and incoming, for House Staff and students in clinical training programs.

Legal/Regulatory

1. Provide complex legal analysis of federal and state laws and regulations related to healthcare contracting.

1. Continually acquire and maintain knowledge of the complex laws and regulations that impact the business units served and clinical service contracting.

1. Consult with appropriate legal counsel to ensure services are compliant with current regulatory requirements.

1. Coordinate the contracting process to maximize inclusion of applicable internal business stakeholders and clinicians in the development and review of contracts.

Financial and Compliance Controls

1. Ensure contracts are reviewed periodically with the business owner and updated as necessary.

1. Maintain appropriate documentation of contract development.

1. Facilitate review of proposed rates for services by appropriate finance offices to ensure rates are fair market value and otherwise compliant with federal regulations.

1. Review liability provisions with Duke Clinical and Corporate Risk Management as appropriate and necessary.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education: Degree - Juris Doctorate

Experience:  3 years of experience as a practicing attorney

Degrees, Licensure and/or Certifications:    

Licensed to practice law in the State of North Carolina

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:       

Include knowledge of basic contract law principles; excellent written and oral communication skills; able to identify legal issues beyond scope of assigned work; customer-service oriented; ability to function as part of multiple teams.