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Overview

Shelley focuses her practice in healthcare litigation.

She represents hospitals, physicians and provider networks in contractual disputes, investigations, administrative matters, regulatory issues and medical staff disputes involving privileges and credentials.

Shelley’s contribution to the healthcare industry began before her legal career commenced. With a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education, she worked as an assistant professor and exercise physiologist at Washburn University for several years before attending law school. During that time she also operated the wellness program for university faculty and staff.

Also skilled in handling Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) matters, Shelley has defended welfare and pension plans, plan administrators, plan sponsors and trustees in class action lawsuits, breach of fiduciary duty claims and claims for benefits.

Industry

Services

Education

  • J.D., Washburn University School of Law
    • cum laude
    • Washburn Law Review, Executive Editor
  • B.S.E., University of Kansas

Admissions

  • Missouri
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
  • Kansas
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • American Bar Association
  • Kansas Bar Association
  • The Missouri Bar
Experience
  • Represented a managed-care plan in a lawsuit filed by physicians’ practices alleging improper payments through the practice of “bundling.” A favorable settlement was reached.
  • Defended a hospital and a physician in a lawsuit brought by an employed physician alleging nine different causes of action and received a favorable settlement.
  • Assisted clients in matters involving HIPAA compliance. Invalidated numerous subpoenas.
  • Defended hospitals in four medical antitrust cases with favorable results. Two were favorably settled, one was dismissed by plaintiff, and one was withdrawn.
  • Counseled many physicians, pharmacists and athletic trainers on licensure matters before the relevant Missouri and Kansas licensing boards.
  • Represented physicians and pharmacists in legal matters before the Missouri Administrative Hearing Commission. Multiple matters resolved with no penalty imposed or favorable settlements.
  • Represented a managed-care plan sanctioned by MO HealthNet Division. Sanctions were dropped and petition dismissed.
  • Resolved contract disputes between physicians and medical facilities.
  • Advised in credentialing and peer review matters for hospitals and physicians.
  • Counseled on overpayment and underpayment issues for medical providers.
  • Served as a hearing officer in peer review matters for a managed-care plan.
  • Drafted a peer review manual for a state dental association.
  • Advised medical providers on handling and reporting incidents involving potential liability.
  • Prepared a temporary restraining order and injunction against a patient’s family member who was threatening hospital employees.
  • Advised medical providers on matters relating to risk management.
  • Obtained summary judgment on behalf of plans, plan sponsors and fiduciaries in numerous cases involving claims for pension, health and welfare benefits and fiduciary breach in state and federal courts.
  • Obtained favorable results for clients on matters involving the U.S. Department of Labor, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration.
  • Represented clients in arbitrations before American Arbitration Association panels.
Community Leadership
  • Colonial Church of Prairie Village, Kan., Board of Directors
  • The Junior League of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties, Kan. 
  • United States Swimming, Counselors Committee and Official