Overview Experience Case Studies Insights Events News Outside the Office Combating healthcare fraud and abuse

Mark D. Chouteau

Senior Counsel

The Link Virtual Office
phone: 512.703.5768
fax: 512.479.1101

email: [email protected]

Austin*

Overview Experience Case Studies

Insights Events News

Outside the Office Combating healthcare fraud and abuse

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“Mark has exceptional knowledge of healthcare law and healthcare regulatory compliance. His healthcare knowledge, coupled with his responsiveness, makes for a very smooth process. I feel at ease with Mark handling our compliance matters.”

Perla Tamez, Owner, Dynamic Children's Therapy Services

Overview

Mark brings deep experience with healthcare law and an unswerving commitment to clients’ success to his representation of healthcare providers.

When clients face compliance and regulatory challenges, Mark draws on the insights he gained while working with the Texas Attorney General’s Office and the Texas Department of Human Services. As an Assistant Attorney General, he prosecuted several high-profile kickback cases and numerous nursing home abuse and neglect cases. And as an Assistant Commissioner of the Texas Department of Human Services, Mark supervised long-term care regulatory activities for Texas and helped usher in the current regulatory framework for skilled nursing facilities.

This background has proved invaluable as Mark guides healthcare providers through government investigations and administrative appeals, as well as complex regulatory matters. In addition to counseling providers on such issues as the Stark Law, the Anti-kickback statute, and state and federal False Claims Acts, Mark provides advice on mergers, acquisitions and other healthcare transactions.

In all cases, Mark marshals unassailable research, compelling arguments and skillful negotiations to meet clients’ needs.

Mark is board certified in healthcare law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Perla Tamez, Owner, Dynamic Children's Therapy Services

Industry

Healthcare

Services

Healthcare M&A, Joint Ventures, and Other Transactions

Healthcare Operations

Healthcare Providers

Healthcare Regulatory & Compliance Counseling

Mergers & Acquisitions

Nonprofit Organizations & Religious Institutions

Tax

Education

J.D., Texas Tech University School of Law
- cum laude
B.B.A., University of Texas at Austin

Admissions

Texas
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas

Professional Memberships and Certifications

American Bar Association, Health Care Section
American Health Law Association
State Bar of Texas
Texas Health Care Association, Legal Advisory Board

*Contact Mark to set up an in-person consultation by appointment in the Austin office.

Experience

Post-Acute Care

Represented dozens of nursing facilities and assisted-living facilities before State Office of Administrative Hearings and Departmental Appeals Board of Department of Health and Human Services.
Represented several nursing facilities and assisted living facilities in state District Court in lawsuits brought by Texas attorney general seeking awards of civil penalties and/or placement of trustee.
Represented several nurses and nursing facility administrators before licensing boards.
Performed due diligence and issued regulatory compliance opinions in many multimillion-dollar acquisitions and refinancings.
Advised healthcare provider associations on legislative matters affecting regulation of healthcare in Texas.

Medicare/Medicaid

Represented healthcare providers in conducting internal investigations on compliance issues raised internally, resulting in disclosures to Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and Texas Health and Human Services Commission Office of Inspector General.
Represented dozens of rehabilitation facilities and numerous other providers under investigation by HHSC Office of Inspector General.

Legal Updates | June 26, 2020

Temporary Emergency Rate Increases for the Nursing Facility Program (Attestation Form)

Outside the Office

Formerly a golfer and runner, Mark now enjoys spending time with his grandchild and with friends by the pool.

He loves all kinds of music, from classical to jazz to rock, blues and hip hop.

Combating healthcare fraud and abuse

With his background in state government, Mark has a wealth of experience in combating fraud and abuse in the healthcare system. He evaluates cases, conducts investigations and issues opinions in federal, state, criminal and civil prosecutions. Mark writes and speaks widely on this topic.