Healthcare

The delivery of healthcare services in Canada is governed by a complex regulatory framework involving both federal and provincial legislation. The landscape is constantly changing as new technologies emerge, private providers play an enhanced role and governments struggle to contain costs while at the same time maintaining adequate access to health services for their citizens. Lawson Lundell’s experienced health law lawyers are uniquely positioned to assist clients in all aspects of the healthcare sector.

We assist clients in a wide range of matters including:

• Advising on the legislative and regulatory framework, both federal and provincial, governing the delivery of healthcare services, including private healthcare services;
• Issues involving the regulation of professionals by self-governing Colleges;
• Governance issues, including the drafting of bylaws and rules, for healthcare agencies and organizations;
• Business and commercial issues affecting professionals including incorporation, partnership, group practice arrangements, tax planning, buying and selling of practices, financing, acquisition and leasing of premises and labour and employment issues;
• Litigation matters including all forms of alternate dispute resolution;
• Intellectual property and technology issues;
• Privacy issues relating to patient confidentiality and medical and other records;
• The establishment and regulation of extended care and assisted living facilities.

Experience

• General counsel to the British Columbia Medical Association
• Counsel in a juridical review proceeding challenging the refusal by the College of Physicians and Surgeons to approve a new prostate cancer treatment in British Columbia
• Advising various physician practice groups on internal governance and structure issues and in negotiating professional service agreements with hospitals, health authorities and other healthcare organizations
• Advising physicians and other service providers on the legislative framework governing the delivery of private health care services
• Counsel to the vendor on the sale of a chain of private diagnostic clinics
• Acting for physicians on negligence and other claims as CMPA appointed counsel
• Acting for private service providers in the establishment of extended care and assisted living facilities

Team