Selecting the Right Compliance Lawyer for Your Skilled Nursing Facility Practice Transaction
When acquiring or selling a skilled nursing facility, specialized compliance expertise can mean the difference between a smooth transaction and costly regulatory setbacks. The complex web of Medicare/Medicaid regulations, state licensing requirements, and federal healthcare laws demands attorneys who understand both the transactional and regulatory aspects unique to SNF operations.
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Top Compliance Lawyer Firms Specializing in Skilled Nursing Facilities
1. Baker Donelson
Headquarters: 165 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103
Service Area: Nationwide
Website: www.bakerdonelson.com
Baker Donelson stands out with their track record of closing over 200 HUD-insured transactions totaling more than $1 billion specifically for SNFs and similar facilities. Their team handles complex multi-state licensing, bond financing, and the full spectrum of federal and state compliance issues that arise in SNF acquisitions. Their expertise spans asset and stock acquisitions, joint ventures, and they have dedicated attorneys who focus exclusively on HUD financing structures common in SNF deals.
2. Quarles
Headquarters: 411 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Service Area: National, with particular strength in Midwest and Southwest
Website: www.quarles.com
Quarles brings deep experience in navigating the critical Change of Ownership (CHOW) process and Medicaid rate negotiations that can make or break SNF economics. Their healthcare team excels at regulatory due diligence, survey preparation, and developing compliance plans that address the unique challenges of long-term care facilities. They’ve successfully guided buyers through complex multi-facility acquisitions while ensuring continuity of Medicare and Medicaid participation.
3. Epstein Becker Green
Headquarters: 875 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022
Service Area: National
Website: www.ebglaw.com
EBG offers comprehensive M&A support with integrated teams covering antitrust, tax, labor, and regulatory review – all critical components in SNF transactions. Their approach to regulatory risk assessment helps buyers identify and quantify compliance issues before they impact deal valuation. The firm’s national healthcare practice includes former government officials who understand enforcement priorities and can provide strategic guidance on structuring transactions to minimize regulatory exposure.
4. Sheppard Mullin
Headquarters: 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Service Area: National
Website: www.sheppardmullin.com
Sheppard Mullin has served as lead counsel on multi-billion dollar healthcare provider transactions, bringing that big-deal experience to mid-market SNF acquisitions. Their strength lies in managing complex, multi-site transactions across multiple jurisdictions while coordinating state licensure, Medicare certification, and ongoing compliance support. The firm’s post-acquisition regulatory support helps ensure smooth transitions and continued compliance after closing.
How to Select the Right Compliance Lawyer for Your Skilled Nursing Facility Practice Transaction
Begin by requesting specific SNF deal references and asking about recent CHOW filings, Medicaid licensing transfers, and any HUD or government-backed financing experience. Look for firms that can provide a dedicated team with both transactional attorneys and regulatory specialists who will remain involved throughout due diligence and post-closing integration. Consider requesting sample budgets from similar past SNF acquisitions to understand the true cost of comprehensive legal support, which typically ranges from $150,000 to $350,000 for mid-sized multi-location deals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is specialized compliance expertise important when merging or acquiring a skilled nursing facility?
Specialized compliance expertise is crucial because skilled nursing facilities operate under a complex set of Medicare/Medicaid regulations, state licensing requirements, and federal healthcare laws. Without this expertise, transactions risk costly regulatory setbacks that can delay or derail deals.
Which law firm has closed over 200 HUD-insured transactions totaling more than $1 billion for skilled nursing facilities?
Baker Donelson has closed over 200 HUD-insured transactions totaling more than $1 billion specifically for skilled nursing facilities. They have expertise in complex multi-state licensing, bond financing, and regulatory compliance unique to SNF acquisitions.
What unique strengths does Quarles offer for skilled nursing facility mergers and acquisitions?
Quarles excels in navigating the Change of Ownership (CHOW) process and Medicaid rate negotiations. Their healthcare team is skilled in regulatory due diligence, survey preparation, and developing compliance plans tailored to long-term care facilities, ensuring continuity of Medicare and Medicaid participation.
How does Epstein Becker Green assist buyers in skilled nursing facility transactions?
Epstein Becker Green provides integrated support covering antitrust, tax, labor, and regulatory review. Their approach includes regulatory risk assessment to identify compliance issues early, and they have former government officials on their team to offer strategic guidance on minimizing regulatory exposure during transactions.
What should you consider when selecting a compliance lawyer for a skilled nursing facility practice transaction?
You should request specific SNF deal references, inquire about recent CHOW filings, Medicaid licensing transfers, and HUD or government-backed financing experience. Choose firms with dedicated transactional and regulatory attorneys who participate throughout due diligence and post-closing. Also, consider understanding typical legal costs, usually ranging from $150,000 to $350,000 for mid-sized multi-location deals.
