Clay J. Countryman
Clay Countryman is a partner in the healthcare group in the Baton Rouge office of Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, L.L.P. Mr. Countryman represents clients in all areas of the healthcare industry, with a focus on healthcare corporate transactions, fraud and abuse compliance, development of healthcare provider networks and alternative healthcare payment approaches.
Clay has primarily served as legal counsel to several different types of healthcare providers and provider organizations, ranging from national and regional hospital systems, physician organizations, specialty physician groups, clinically integrated networks, physician-owned hospitals, diagnostic imaging facilities, ambulatory surgical centers, pharmacies, healthcare management companies, and healthcare trade associations.
Clay is an active member of several healthcare associations and other organizations. Clay has been an active member of the American Bar Association for over 20 years, including vice chair in the Health Law Section, the ABA Veterans Legal Services Commission, Medical-Legal Partnerships and the ABA Young Lawyers Division.
Healthcare Corporate Transactions
Clay has assisted healthcare providers in structuring joint ventures and other transaction to promote business objectives while meeting compliance requirements of specific laws and regulations, such as the Stark Law, the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute, Medicare and Medicaid coverage and reimbursement requirements, and licensure and accreditation requirements.
- Formation of Joint Ventures to Develop and Operate Hospitals and Other Healthcare Facilities
- Mergers and Acquisitions of healthcare providers
- Development of healthcare provider networks, Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), and Clinically Integrated Networks
- Employment Agreements, Professional Service Agreements, Medical Director and Recruitment Agreements
- Conducted Due Diligence in Acquisitions and Financing
Fraud and Abuse Compliance
Clay has extensive experience in counseling clients on compliance with the Federal Anti-Kickback Law, the Stark Physician Self-Referral Law, and the federal Civil Monetary Penal Law and regulations.
- Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute Compliance in Structuring Transactions
- Development of Co-Management Agreements and Gainsharing Arrangements
- Implemented and Reviewed Corporate Compliance Programs
- Government Investigations and False Claims Act Defense
- Advised Healthcare Providers on Voluntary Self-Disclosures and Refunds
- Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America®, Since 2020
- Board Certified Health Law Specialist, Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization, Louisiana State Ba
- Ranked in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business for Louisiana in the area of Healthcare since 2017
- AV® PreeminentTM Peer Review Rated.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70801
