Announcing: MJ Faculty Lucia Francesca Bruno's article, "
The data breach dilemma: Steps providers can take to secure PHI and EHR," has been published in the May 2013 issue of Compliance Today Magazine.
This article, published in Compliance Today, appears here with permission from the Health Care Compliance Association. Contact HCCA at 888 580 8373 with all reprint requests.
MJ Faculty Sharon Larson's article, "
Tools for Navigating Patient and Staff Safety," has been published in the April 2013 Issue of The Chester County Hospital and Health System Newsletter.
Eileen Grena-Piretti Assistant Dean and Executive Director of InstitutesWidener University School of Law - Delaware
eagrena@widener.eduCourses: MJ 500 Introduction to Law, Externships
Eileen A. Grena-Piretti is Assistant Dean and Executive Director of
Institutes for the Delaware campus of Widener Law. Mrs. Grena-Piretti graduated from American University with a B.S. in Political Science and a Minor in Biology in May 1988. She graduated from Widener University School of Law with a J.D. in May 1992 and from the University of Delaware School of Nursing with an R.N., B.S.N., in February 1997. She was an adjunct professor at Manor Junior College and a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse at Christiana Care Health System. She has also served as the Mental Health/Mental Retardation County Solicitor at the Chester County Mental Health Court, Assistant Counsel for Jeanes Hospital of Philadelphia, and as an Arbitration Judge for Chester County. She came to Widener in 1999 as an adjunct faculty member for the
Legal Education Institute. She later became Assistant Dean and Director of the Legal Education Institute before taking on her current position as Assistant Dean and Executive Director of Institutes.
Pamela J. Kroh, Esq.Assistant Director and Special Projects Coordinator, MJ ProgramsWidener University School of Law – Delaware
pjkroh@mail.widener.eduCourses: MJ 500 Introduction to Law, MJ 509 Critical Legal Analysis & Writing, MJ 518 Torts
Pamela J. Kroh is Assistant Director to the MJ programs. She graduated summa cum laude from the Widener University School of Law-
Legal Education Institute, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies. She graduated from Widener University School of Law with a J.D. in 2006 and is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania. Ms. Kroh is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the Delaware County Bar Association. She has twenty years of experience in civil litigation from her combined paralegal and associate roles. Ms. Kroh has been teaching on-campus and online in paralegal studies programs since 2008, including Widener’s own Legal Education Institute, Delaware County Community College, and Kaplan University. In addition to her current role in the MJ Programs at Widener, Ms. Kroh continues to teach in the LEI paralegal studies program.
Deborah BallantyneRisk Management Analyst/Consultant Hospital & Health Care
ECRI Institute
deb0301@mail.widener.eduCourse: MJ 709 Healthcare Q & L
Ms. Ballantyne joined ECRI Institute in July, 2011, from the law firm of White and Williams, LLP in Philadelphia. Ms. Ballantyne brought her experience and education to ECRI Institute to provide on-site assessment of the risk management and culture of safety programs of member organizations and specific identification of risks inherent in the provision of senior housing and aging services. She provides consultation and education services as identified by analytics of current literature, incidents and claims specific to the members, and questions and issues raised by member organizations. Ms. Ballantyne was elected by her peers to the position of Editor-in-Chief of the Widener Law Review. While in law school she received the Reed Hamilton Health Law Award and a recognition award given to the top student in professional liability. Ms. Ballantyne received her J.D., cum laude, from Widener University School of Law and a BA in Zoology from the University of California, Davis. Ms. Ballantyne is a member of the Advisory Board of the
Health Law Institute at Widener University School of Law.
Lucia Francesca Bruno, J.D., LL.M., M.B.A., C.H.C.Principal Shareholder
Physicians’ Legal Group
lfbruno@mail.widener.eduCourse: MJ 6028 Regulatory Compliance – Hospital Managed Care
Lucia F.Bruno has extensive experience in physician and healthcare practice management matters, physician employment contracting, co-ownership arrangements, practice sales, strategic planning, mergers and network development, as well as hospital contracting issues. Her health care experience includes negotiating and implementing physician practice arrangements, buy-in arrangements, deferred compensation agreements, termination agreements and income division methodologies as well as joint venture agreements, and issues involving fraud and abuse, compliance plans, HIPAA counseling, Medicare/Medicaid regulations, and employment law. Ms. Bruno is a nationally recognized speaker. She lectures around the country on practice management, risk mitigation, and a wide array of financial and legal issues to hospitals, medical societies, universities and medical staffs. Her speaking engagement forums include: The American Urological Association, Hahnemann Hospital, Drexel College of Medicine, Main Line Health Systems and Riddle Memorial Hospital. Ms. Bruno earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Widener University School of Law. While at Widener, she received the distinguished Dean’s Academic Achievement Award for Appellate Practice and Procedure. She also earned an LL.M. in Trial Advocacy from Temple University Beasley School of Law and an M.B.A., with honors, from Saint Joseph’s University Erivan K. Haub School of Business.
Marlene Timberlake D'Adamo, J.D., Esq.Managing Director, Portfolio and Risk Management
PNC Asset Management Group
marlene.timberlakedadamo@pnc.comCourse: MJ 703 Corporate Compliance & Ethics I
Marlene Timberlake D'Adamo is Managing Director, Senior Vice President of Portfolio and Risk Management for PNC's Asset Management Group and oversees the activities of two groups: the Investment Advisor Research Group, responsible for selecting and monitoring managers for PNC's approved platform, and the Risk Management Group to monitor client accounts for compliance with policies and procedures. Previously, she was Chief Compliance Officer at Glenmede Investment Management and responsible for the Compliance Program. Ms. D’Adamo has also served as Chief Compliance Officer of two broker dealers and as bond counsel. Ms. Timberlake D'Adamo is a graduate of Temple University School of Law and Seton Hall University (Bachelor of Arts). She is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Shauna B Itri, Esq.Berger & Montague P.C.
Whistleblower and Plaintiffs Securities Class Action Litigation Attorney
sitri@mail.widener.eduCourse: MJ 721 Corporate Deviance
Shauna B. Itri, is an attorney who represents whistleblowers in False Claims Act law suits in state and federal courts throughout the United States, and tax and securities whistleblowers with claims under the IRS and SEC whistleblower programs. She has worked on a series of False Claims Act cases against large drug companies for fraudulent Medicare and Medicaid drug pricing. Ms. Itri received a B.A. and an M.A. from Stanford University, and received her J.D. from Villanova University. Named a "Pennsylvania Super Lawyer Rising Star" in 2010 and 2011 by Philadelphia Magazine, Ms. Itri was also placed on Philadelphia's First Judicial District's 2010 and 2011 Roll of Honor for Pro Bono Service for her service in the community.
Lynda KopishkeNurse Consultant
Forensic Matters
lrkopishke@mail.widener.eduCourse: MJ 607 Principles & Practices of LNC
Ms. Kopishke initially received her Diploma in Nursing from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Wilmington Delaware. After many years of successful practice, Ms. Kopishke returned to Wilmington University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Nursing. She became certified as a legal nurse consultant in 2000. She served on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Legal Nurse Consulting at both the local and national levels. Ms. Kopishke is a past editor of the Journal of Legal Nurse Consulting, was a reviewer for the second edition of Principles and Practices, and senior co-editor for the third edition of Legal Nurse Consulting Principles and Practices. Ms. Kopishke is a published author and national speaker on topics associated with nursing and legal nurse consulting. Ms. Kopishke is an instructor at DTCC at the third level in medical-surgical and psychiatric nursing, and maintains a consulting practice, Forensic Matters. She has been admitted at trial in several state courts and at the Federal court level as an expert witness in the standards of nursing practice and life care planning. Ms. Kopishke is a nurse, educator, researcher, and strong advocate for nursing practice.
Sharon (Shari) Larson, BSN, LNCC, CMSRNLegal Nurse Consultant
Messa & Associates
salarson@mail.widener.eduCourse: MJ 602 Intro to LNC
Ms. Larson graduated from the University of Virginia in 1989. She currently works as a legal nurse consultant at Messa & Associates since January of 2008. Ms. Larson became certified as a legal nurse consultant in 2012. She serves at the national level of the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants as a member of the Products and Services Committee. Ms. Larson remains clinically active at Chester County Hospital as a staff nurse on a medical/surgical/oncology floor.
Margaret (Peggy) O'Neill, Esq., CPACertified Public Accountant and Attorney
moneill@mail.widener.edu
Courses: MJ 727 Workplace Investigations
MJ722 Auditing & Monitoring
Ms. O’Neill is a Certified Public Accountant and licensed attorney in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, offering tax and estate planning preparation, as well as estate administration, to individuals and businesses. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in accounting in 1991, and in 2004 earned her Juris Doctorate from Widener Law School, with a concentration in Estate Planning and Tax. In addition to her accounting and law practice, Ms. O’Neill is also a Professor at Widener University School of Law teaching various courses in the areas of tax and estate planning.
Stephen RhoadesCompliance Counsel
Pfizer
srhoades@mail.widener.eduCourse: MJ 600 Healthcare & Business Transactions
Mr. Rhoads provides counsel on compliance and promotional risk related issues to the Business Leaders and Product Attorneys within the Specialty Care Business Unit. He assists Business and Legal with management of mandatory CIA requirements, continually assesses training efforts for Business to ensure compliance, assesses all business related platform functions for potential risk areas and proactively works with Business and Legal to ensure an adequate mitigation plan is in place to address any identified risks and collaborates with Compliance, Business and Legal on all SCBU related diagnostic reviews (product specific and platform functions). Mr. Rhoads also facilitates and informs reviews for quarterly certifications by Pfizer management under the CIA. He manages and understands SCBU docket of compliance investigations in the Corporate Compliance Group and assists with remediation and corrective actions in SCBU. Mr. Rhoads assists with CIA field rides, compliance advisory boards and attends field based activities to monitor as needed.
Julie Sheppard, BSN, JD, CHCFounder & President of First Healthcare Compliance, LLC
jssheppard@mail.widener.eduJulie Sheppard received a BSN from Clemson University in 1993. Her nursing experience includes the hospital and public health settings. She graduated from Widener University School of Law with a JD in 2006. She is certified in Health Care Compliance through the Compliance Certification Board. Her company, First Healthcare Compliance, provides innovative products and services to help physician practices implement effective compliance programs.
Margaret TruluckAdjunct Professor
mmtruluck@mail.widener.eduCourse: MJ 6063 Corporate Regulatory Compliance: Rules and Standards
Margaret Truluck graduated from University of Delaware with an undergraduate degree and graduated from Widener University School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree. Currently, she is an adjunct professor at Widener University School of Law teaching Corporate Regulatory Compliance: Rules and Standards for MJ Graduate Programs. She is also a compliance professional at National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak).
Rebecca D. Walker, J.D., M.S.N.
State of Delaware Representative 9th District
Delaware House of Representatives
Rebecca.Walker@state.de.usCourse: MJ 734 Research & Writing for Criminal Justice Professionals
Rebecca Walker has a Master of Science in Nursing, a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Nursing and Health Policy Research at the Medical University of South Carolina. Ms. Walker has held a Level One Emergency Department Trauma clinical nursing practice for over 23 years, focusing on trauma, forensics and critical care transport. Ms. Walker has served as both the past vice president and immediate past president of the Delaware Board of Nursing under the Department of Professional Regulations and led the Board in the review, drafting and enforcement of regulatory compliance standards for both practicing professionals and licensed educational programs. Ms. Walker previously practiced as healthcare litigator in Philadelphia representing professional providers and health care corporations. She currently serves on the Delaware General Assembly as a State Representative, the Chair of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, and as the Vice Chair of the House of Representatives Health and Social Services Committee. She also has previously taught as an Assistant Professor at Wesley College.
Ms. Walker attended the Delaware State Police Academy before shifting gears when accepted to Widener Law School. She has spent the last three years working with law enforcement leadership statewide in the preparation and drafting of policy initiatives that were in compliance with current Delaware statutes and law.
Samantha WilsonLegal Counsel
Glaxo Smith Kline
sawilson@mail.widener.eduCourses: MJ 509 Critical Legal Analysis & Writing, MJ 6065 Healthcare Reg. Compliance & Legal Analysis
Samantha Wilson provides advice and counsel to the Global Manufacturing and Supply business unit, consisting of over 80 manufacturing sites worldwide and Global Procurement with an annual spend of more than £5bn. Her primary responsibilities include analyzing and counseling on legal, policy, compliance, transactional and commercial issues – integrating legal knowledge with sound business understanding for GMS aspects of business development and other transactions with supply chain impacts, including, but not be limited to, drafting, negotiating and reviewing agreements with external parties and, where appropriate, management of external legal counsel with respect to such transactions. Additionally, Ms. Wilson provides legal evaluation and interpretation of pending and/or new legislation on international trade and environmental, health and safety matters. Ms. Wilson is a two time graduate of Widener University (JD and LLM – Health Law) and has been teaching in its Health Law MJ program since 2009.
Micah J. YarbroughLegal Writing Professor and Director of Bar ProgramsWidener University School of Law - Delaware
mjyarbrough@widener.eduMicah J. Yarbrough is Professor of Legal Methods and Director of Bar Programs at Widener University School of Law. Professor Yarbrough received a B.A. from the College of William and Mary in 1986, and a J.D. from Rutgers-Camden School of Law in 1992. Professor Yarbrough served as Staff Attorney to the Subcommittee Studying the Status and Needs of African-American Males, Virginia General Assembly, from 1997-99. In addition, Professor Yarbrough operated a solo practice from 1996-99. Professor Yarbrough joined the faculty at Widener in 1999, and is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania. He teaches and writes in the areas of Legal Methods, Race Relations and Immigration.