Michael Schulze is a managing member of the firm and has practiced health care law exclusively since graduating from Tulane University School of Law in 1998. He regularly represents acute care, rural, psychiatric, critical access, long term acute care and rehabilitation hospitals, physician practices, skilled nursing facilities, home health and other providers both locally and nationally on a wide variety of federal and state healthcare issues.
A significant portion of Michael’s practice involves analyzing and counseling clients on compliance matters and defending clients in government investigations involving Anti-Kickback, Stark law and False Claims Act allegations, as well as in RAC, UPIC, SMRC and other provider audits. He regularly assists clients with evaluating potential compliance issues, conducting internal investigations, and educating provider staff. Drawing on the insight gained through his audit and investigation defense work, Michael emphasizes a realistic and practical approach to compliance matters that provides clients with effective and efficient compliance processes tailored to the particular client’s operations and needs.
Michael has worked extensively with providers and physicians on entity financing, formation, licensure and enrollment; transactions; and negotiating and drafting compliant joint-venture, employment, recruitment, medical director and other financial arrangements. He also routinely advises facilities on conditions of participation, Medicare and Medicaid issues, governing board bylaws, medical staff bylaws, provider based entity attestations and other operational matters.
Michael frequently speaks at Louisiana and national health care conferences on compliance matters and rural health issues and at client corporate meetings. He also regularly writes articles on various topics that are currently affecting healthcare providers. He is an active member of the health care section of the American Bar Association, American Health Lawyers Association, and Louisiana Society for Hospital Attorneys.
Practice Areas
Client and Peer Testimonials
“Michael is very solid in corporate regulatory healthcare provider matters, as he is detail-oriented and you can trust his work even on complex issues.”
“I first met Michael as an adversary in a business transaction. I have since then heard him lecture and he is truly an expert in his field. I frequently consult with Michael for any health care legal issues I encounter in my practice. I would highly recommend him.”
“I have known and worked with Michael for over 10 years on a number of matters. He is knowledgeable in the health care fraud area, has strong analytic and communication skills, and high ethical standards.”
“Michael has mastery of healthcare law, rule and regulation. He understands the law, and is deliberate in his evaluation of these critical legal issues”
“I work in healthcare (both hospital and corporate compliance settings) and have relied on the expertise of Michael Schulze for at least a decade. When it comes to finding a reliable source for expert knowledge, strategy and action, he is unbeatable in my opinion.”
“Michael is an extremely knowledgeable health care attorney, well versed in the applicable laws, rules and regulations.”
“He is good at fraud and abuse compliance and understands the Stark Law and federal rules significantly.”
“He is down to earth, very practical, smart, experienced and has good contacts.”
Publications
Presentations
“Developing an Effective Compliance Program for Calendar Year” – Louisiana Hospital Association Health Law Symposium 2024
“Developing a Compliance Work Plan to Assess and Address Compliance Risks” – Louisiana Rural Health Summit 2024. Co-Presented with Heather Arrington
“Transactions in the Volatile Provider Market: The Impact on Fair Market Value, Commercial Reasonableness, and Other Compliance Requirements” – AHLA Fraud and Compliance Forum 2024. Co-Presented with Mandy E. Hayes-Chandler, Albert D. “Chip” Hutzler
“Strategies For Rural Healthcare Providers When Dealing With Medicare Advantage Plans” – 2024 Louisiana Rural Health Association Webinar. Co-Presented with Heather Arrington
“The Legal Requirements and Significance of Physician Documentation” – Ochsner University Hospital & Clinics
“Transforming Your Code of Conduct Into an Effective Compliance Tool” – 2024 Rural Health Workshop. Co-Presented with Heather Arrington
“Implementing Effective and Achievable Compliance Policies” – Louisiana Rural Health Association 2023
“Managing Medicaid MCO Claim Disputes” -The 20th Allegiance Health Management Leadership Summit. Co-Presented with Heather Arrington and Bryan Dupree
“Emerging Issues in Federal Healthcare Fraud: Everything You Need to Know About DOJ, OIG, and CMS Enforcement Collaboration” – American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA) 2020 Physicians and Hospital Law Institute. Co-Presented with Alec Alexander, Allen Medina & Gary Cantrell
“Complying with Federal Healthcare Regulations” – Acadiana Healthcare Management
Professional Associations
Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent rated in Legal Ability and Ethical Standards
American Bar Association
American Health Lawyers Association
Payment and Reimbursement Interest Group
Regulation, Accreditation, and Payment Practice Group
Louisiana Bar Association
Louisiana Health Lawyers Association
Lafayette Parish Bar Association
Bar Admissions and Education
Louisiana, 1999
Tulane Law School, New Orleans, LA, J.D., 1998
Loyola University, New Orleans, LA, B.A., 1995
Honors and Awards
Lafayette
1042 Camellia Boulevard
Suite 2
Lafayette, LA 70508
337-233-6210
Fax: 337-233-6215
New Orleans
909 Poydras Street
Suite 2600
New Orleans, LA 70112
504-561-1044
Fax: 504-561-8606