Christianna L. Finnern

In the Health Law space I represent providers and health care businesses in a variety of capacities, including litigation and enforcement proceedings, health care licensing board investigations and compliance and regulatory matters. Often clients rely on me to serve as outside general counsel to health care professionals and practice groups, and advise them on, issues such as state and federal privacy laws, including data breaches; fraud, waste and abuse, anti-kickback and Stark; credentialing, privileging and peer review processes; employment issues; and even buying and selling practices. I also partner with health care providers and practice groups to conduct internal compliance investigations in an effort to identify potential compliance risks, and ensure that appropriate procedures and training are in place moving forward.

I also have unique expertise representing health care companies in connection with state involuntary receivership matters.

I place particular emphasis on the behavioral health industry, including state and federal regulatory compliance considerations and 42 CFR Part 2 privacy considerations.

I represent many substance use disorder treatment providers, including those who utilize methadone and buprenorphine in treating those suffering from opioid abuse. These substance use disorder providers face unique issues with the both Department of Health of Human Services Licensing and Enforcement, as well as interacting with the federal government, including the Drug Enforcement Administration.

I also counsel numerous clients who operate nursing homes, assisted living facilities, senior housing facilities, and home care businesses in connection with state and federal regulatory enforcement. I deal regularly with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS) on behalf of my clients. I also advise and counsel clients in connection with Minnesota’s new assisted living licensure statute that will result in material changes to the licensure and regulation of senior housing facilities that provide services to their residents.

Much of my time is spent representing clients before legislative bodies, and state and federal regulators. My experience includes advising clients in conjunction with their oversight by, or interaction with, the Minnesota Office of Attorney General, Minnesota Office of the Governor, Minnesota Legislature, Department of Administration, Department of Commerce, Department of Health, Department of Human Services, and Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as the Boards of Pharmacy, Medical Practice, and Nursing, among others. In addition, I also have unique expertise representing health care companies in connection with state involuntary receivership matters.