Health Law & Medical Defence

Throughout history, physicians and others in the health-care sector have played an essential role in society. Now in our modern world, the increasing scrutiny of regulators, government bodies, and the public makes protecting the people in this innovative and changing industry more important than ever.

Few firms in Alberta have lawyers with more experience than the team at McLennan Ross. Our Health Law group has helped medical professionals successfully navigate the evolving complexities of health law and its regulatory framework for decades. We are a team of skilled problem-solvers including litigators, corporate commercial lawyers, and labour and employment lawyers who share a common interest in the health law field. When something lands on our desks, we know exactly where it needs to go.

We advise a diverse group of clients, including physicians, physician practice groups, emergency medical technicians and their associations, as well as academic medicine departments. We represent the Alberta Medical Association, the Psychiatric Nursing Association, the Professional Association of Residents of Alberta, and the Canadian Medical Protective Association. Our lawyers also provide extensive advice to medical organizations and government on health-related policy and legislative initiatives.

Protecting professional goals and reputations.

Dispute resolution is a primary objective at McLennan Ross. Whether it’s defending a doctor’s rights, handling a contract dispute, or assisting with an investigation, medical professionals have depended on our strong technical skill and deep bench strength for decades.

We represent physicians through the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) as well as individual physicians in their interactions with Alberta Health Services and other governments, colleges, and regulatory bodies in disciplinary proceedings, hearings, and inquests.

We handle all types of disputes that professionals in the medical field may face, including complaints and lawsuits involving patients, as well as commercial litigation, such as shareholder and partnership disputes and contract disputes. We handle issues relating to the collection of confidential health information and privacy litigation. We also assist health authorities and advise on many issues, including privilege, contract breaches, and professional negligence claims.

We are also skilled negotiators who understand that many of our clients would rather not go to court. With extensive experience in mediation and arbitration for dispute resolution, our lawyers will always take the best path to defend and protect our clients’ interests.

Clear and practical guidance at any stage.

We value our long-standing relationships and roles as trusted advisors at any stage of a person’s medical career. We help with setting up medical practices, location changes and expansion, as well as estate matters and selling a practice upon retirement. We assist international medical graduates with government-related matters, licensing and accreditations, contracts, and with setting up their practices.

In addition, we attend board of director meetings and advise on hospital policies and procedures, contract drafting, and real estate transactions. We negotiate fee arrangements with the government and assist with commercial endeavors involving alternative payment programs and the establishment of a variety of membership structures.

Important work deserves exceptional service.

With a strong commitment to service, we strive to understand our clients and their issues. We listen, ask the right questions, and go to a client’s office to meet and spend the time getting to know their practice and history. Doing the deeper work, rather than having only surface knowledge, is the foundation of our legal services.

Everyone in our firm, from our experienced lawyers to our outstanding paralegals and support staff, offer the exceptional service, quick turnaround, and prompt attention our health clients need. Our entire team is committed to protecting physicians and other health-care professionals and their important contributions to the communities they serve.

Contact us today for any assistance or questions about health law.

We’re always here to help.