Health Law - Hospital Services Law
The Hospital Services Group stands out by providing exceptional legal talent with flexibility, efficiency and experience. We are proud of our involvement in the health sector, which spans legal, educational, not-for-profit and community-based initiatives. Recognized as a leader in the field, we have practical wisdom and insight regarding the day-to-day operations of the health care industry – making us a valued partner in the delivery of health services.
Our Vision
Our objective is to help our clients achieve their goals and solve their legal problems by providing effective and practical solutions, which are responsive to their unique needs. We believe this can be best achieved by working with our clients in a personal and collaborative manner that promotes teamwork, education and community. We also continually strive to maintain a standard of excellence in all aspects of our legal practice.
Our People
Our Hospital Services Group is comprised of lawyers from our Corporate,
Health,
Tax,
Technology,
Health Informatics
and
Not-for-Profit and Charitable Organizations
– who work together to provide our clients with the most comprehensive legal advice possible. Our lawyers are actively involved in the health sector as volunteers, lecturers and members of various charity groups, local and national health care organizations, research ethics boards and Government committees. They also hold executive positions in the Health Law Section of the Ontario Bar Association, the Medico-Legal Society of Toronto and other leading bodies in the medico-legal field. Our lawyers also publish a considerable number of articles and speak regularly on issues that impact the health sector.
Our Client Base
Our firm delivers exceptional service to a wide variety of clients from both the public and private sectors. Our public sector clients include municipalities, universities and colleges, school boards, not-for-profit organizations, government entities, conservation authorities, commissions and boards. In the private sector, we represent Fortune 500 corporations, major chartered banks, insurance companies, joint ventures, partnerships, as well as other entrepreneurial businesses and organizations.
Some of our health sector clients, which span both the public and private sectors include:
- Public Hospitals
- Health Ministries
- Long-Term Care Homes
- Retirement Homes
- Hospital Foundations
- Independent Health Facilities
- Health Clinics
- Occupational Health Clinics
- Regulated Health Professionals
- Municipal Health Departments
Our lawyers provide advice and opinions to hospitals regarding:
Hospital Governance
- Privileges Disputes
- Review of Medical Staff Policies
- Advising Hospital Committees (i.e. Credentials Committee, Medical Advisory Committee, etc.)
Corporate and Commercial
- Drafting and negotiating corporate and commercial contracts, including non-disclosure and confidentiality agreements
- Organization of hospital foundations
- Development and revision of hospital by-laws
- Negotiating and advising on construction-related matters and contracts
Labour and Employment
- Drafting and interpreting labour and employment contracts, including collective agreements
- Representing hospitals in employee dismissal, human rights and WSIB matters
- Providing advice regarding all aspects of federal and provincial employment legislation
Information Technology
- Assisting with e-commerce, internet and public IT procurement
- Licensing/distribution and technology law matters
Advocacy
- Representing hospitals at Consent and Capacity Board hearings, Coroner’s Inquests and regulatory tribunals
- Advising with respect to professional roles and responsibilities for employees and, where appropriate, independent contractors such as physicians
In-House Legal Services
- Oversight of all legal communications with the public
- Liaising with external counsel
- Communicating and collaborating with LHIN representatives
- Educating hospital staff regarding relevant legal matters
Privacy Compliance
- Ensuring that hospitals are aware of their obligations under the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA)
- Conducing privacy audits
Regulatory Compliance
- Providing advice regarding public health matters
- Assisting hospitals in adhering to their responsibilities under the Public Hospitals Act
Our complementary value added services include:
- 24/7 Health Law Hotline
- Immediate updates regarding relevant legislative changes, and
- Educational lectures and seminars