Introduction
Michele represents healthcare companies in their transactions and regulatory needs, with extensive experience in physician-hospital joint ventures, alternative delivery systems, value-based care, and mergers and acquisitions. She focuses on dermatology, dental, ophthalmology, physical therapy, cardiology, radiology, pharmacy, digital health, and AI. Michele supports companies from startups to mature enterprises and served as chair of the firm’s Healthcare Group from 2010 to 2016.
My focus
Healthcare Transactions
I advise healthcare providers and industry stakeholders on transactional and regulatory matters, including providers and investors in the private equity space. My experience as a former in-house counsel at a major hospital system gives me a holistic perspective, informed with an understanding that the business of healthcare is not “business as usual,” I use this perspective to guide my clients through their legal and operational issues.
Alternative Delivery Systems
I help providers and investors achieve their goals of driving efficiencies, containing costs, and improving quality of care when advising on alternative delivery system structures. From analyzing existing models to implementing new ones like value-based contracting, accountable care organizations (ACOs), and hospital/private equity joint ventures, I apply my experience to the new models to support clients every step of the way.
Corporate Practice of Medicine, Fraud & Abuse, and New York State Regulatory
I identify transaction structures that may attract regulatory scrutiny and help clients address licensure, corporate practice of medicine, and fraud and abuse issues. I assist both local and out-of-state clients in healthcare mergers and acquisitions to navigate New York's regulatory environment and minimize risks. I am particularly knowledgeable of the increased focus on state law notice and disclosure requirements of material healthcare transactions.
Looking ahead
Despite evolving regulatory and reimbursement risks, investors still seek top returns in healthcare businesses. As providers and investors become more accountable for cost and quality, they will increasingly partner, invest, and collaborate with digital health, AI, and other health technology companies.
/Insights
- “Strategies for Growth & Flexibility in Healthcare,” The Healthcare Services Investment Conference, New York, NY, November 16, 2023
- “Combatting Distress in Healthcare,” BDO’s Healthcare Trends & Topics Webcast Series, June 27, 2023 (Co-presenter)
- “Setting up Shop in Alternative Therapies: A Look at Establishing Practices in the Ketamine and the Psychedelics Space,” Lawline Programs, May 16, 2023 (Co-presenter)
- “Highlights of DealFlow’s Healthcare Services Investment Conference 2022,” DealFlow’s Healthcare Services Investment News, September 2, 2022
- “Key considerations for telehealth providers following the Dobbs decision,” Association of Corporate Counsel, August 25, 2022 (Co-author)
- “Closing the MSO Transaction: Anticipating and Solving for Real World Obstacles,” The Healthcare Services Investment Conference, Rye, New York, August 24, 2022
- “Inside an MSO Transaction: Real World Obstacles and How to Avoid Them,” The Healthcare MSO Conference, White Plains, NY, October 22, 2021 (Presenter)
- “The Art of Physician Practice Consolidation,” SCALE Physician Group, Webinar, November 18, 2020 (Moderator)
- “Telehealth Looking Forward: Maintaining Compliance During Regulatory Changes,” University Physician Network, Webinar, August 5, 2020 (Presenter)
- “Telemedicine Beyond COVID19: Provider Experiences and Future Challenges,” Nixon Peabody Webinar, June 25, 2020 (Presenter)
- “How Should We Collectively Manage A Return To Work?” SCALE Physician Group Whitepaper, May 18, 2020 (Co-author)
- “Unique Corporate and Regulatory Issues in Structuring Healthcare MSO Transactions,” The Healthcare MSO Conference, September 27, 2019 (Presenter)
- “Private Equity Dental Services Organizations,” Stafford Webinar, July 10, 2019 (Presenter)
- “To Be or Not to Be…a Dental Services Organization,” Guest Post for Dorfman, Mizrach & Thaler, May 2019
- “Important Transactional & Regulatory Issues in Healthcare Private Equity,” American Bar Association Health Law Section's 20th Annual Conference on Emerging Issues in Healthcare Law, Orlando, Florida, March 15, 2019 (Presenter)
- “Nixon Peabody's Healthcare Blockchain Panel,” New York, NY, March 6, 2019 (Moderator)
- “Private Equity Investing Outlook: What is Now and Next for Investing in Technology and Delivery Solutions in Healthcare,” Nixon Peabody Event, September 30, 2015 (Co-presenter)
- “How to Swim with the Sharks: A Survival Guide for Women in an ‘Alpha Male’ Environment,” Women's Insights on the Art of Negotiating (WIN) Summit, October 1, 2015 (Co-presenter)
- “Trends to watch for in healthcare and delivery system transformation,” American Health Lawyers Association, June 1, 2015 (Co-author)
- “Developments in Arbitration 2014 for the Healthcare Industry,” American Arbitration Association Healthcare Dispute Resolution Innovation & Strategy Conference, November 14, 2014 (Co-presenter)
- “Enforcement Trends Related to Executive Liability in Healthcare Investigations,” Bloomberg BNA Health Care Fraud Report, June 12, 2013 (Co-authored with David Feldman, Sean Haran, Ashley Baynham, and Devon Haft Little)
- “Investing in Health Care: Opportunities & Challenges Ahead,” Nixon Peabody Event, June 5, 2013 (Co-presenter)
- “Social Media and the De-Identification of Protected Health Information,” Bloomberg BNA Social Media Law & Policy Report, March 12, 2013 (Co-authored with Carly Eisenberg)
- “Shedding Light on the Sunshine Act Final Rule: Implications for Healthcare Providers,” Nixon Peabody Webinar, February 13, 2013 (Co-presenter with Brian French and Jason Gonzalez)
- “Risk of Exclusion Remains Potent for Healthcare Industry Executives,” Bloomberg BNA Medical Devices Law & Industry Report, December 12, 2012 (Co-authored with Ronaldo Rauseo-Ricupero)
- “Beyond Obamacare: The Massachusetts Model,” Nixon Peabody CLE Program, December 5, 2012 (Co-presenter with Jim Vallee)
- “Investing in Healthcare: Current challenges and opportunities,” Nixon Peabody Event, October 11, 2012 (Co-presenter)
- “Healthcare Client Alerts Prefigure Uptick in Law Firm Business,” New York Law Journal, July 3, 2012 (Thought Leadership Commentary)
- “Businesses Brace for Higher Health Care Costs,” Long Island Business News, June 28, 2012 (Thought Leadership Commentary)
- “Not-for-Profit Board Duties in the Era of Healthcare Reform,” Nixon Peabody Event, February 16, 2012 (Co-presenter)
- “Investing in Healthcare: Current challenges and opportunities,” Nixon Peabody Event, October 19, 2011 (Co-presenter)
- “It’s A Raid! Now What?” Law 360, February 28, 2011 (Co-author)
- “Constitutional Challenges to Healthcare Reform,” Law 360, February 7, 2011 (Co-author)
- “Healthcare Reform 101: For Physicians,” Law 360, June 16, 2010 (Co-authored with Brooke Santeramo)
- “Healthcare Fraud and Abuse: What you need to do now,” Nixon Peabody Webinar, April 24, 2010 (Co-presented with Brian K. French, Regina S. Rockefeller, Rebecca Simone, and David DeCerbo)
- “Q&A: Michele A. Masucci, Healthcare Attorney,” Long Island Business News, April 23, 2010 (Thought Leadership Commentary)
- “Firms Staffed Up and Ready for Healthcare Work,” American Lawyer, April 9, 2010 (Thought Leadership Commentary)
- “Physician Payment Reporting Obligations: A Reality,” Law 360, March 24, 2010 (Co-authored with Brian K. French)
- “The New Security Breach Notification Requirements,” New York Law Journal, November 2, 2009 (Co-authored with Linn Foster Freedman)
- “The Latest CDC Guidance For Healthcare Employers Flu Season,” Health Lawyers Weekly, October 2, 2009 (Co-authored with David Kolek, Michael I. Schnipper, and Jeffrey M. Tanenbaum)
- “Waiver of Healthcare Co-Payments and Deductibles,” New York Law Journal, June 25, 2009
- “Medical Tourism is the Globalization of the American Operating Room,” New York Law Journal, December 17, 2007
In the news
- Reuters
The challenges for private equity in healthcare
Jan 1, 2025Healthcare partners Michele Masucci of Long Island and Jéna Grady of New York City, and associates Jennifer Greco and Marissa Espinoza Icochea, both of Long Island, contributed this article discussing the challenges facing private equity in healthcare, with a focus on key federal antitrust issues and state regulation of PE healthcare arrangements.
- Thomson Reuters Practical Law
Expert Q&A on the challenges for private equity in healthcare
Oct 31, 2024Healthcare partners Michele Masucci of Long Island and Jéna Grady of New York City, and associates Jennifer Greco and Marissa Espinoza Icochea, both of Long Island, contributed this article that discusses federal antitrust issues and state regulation of private equity healthcare arrangements, including material notice requirements and changes to the corporate practice of medicine rules.
- American Health Law Association
Speaking of health law (podcast)
Dec 8, 2023Long Island Healthcare partner Michele Masucci joins this episode of the podcast to discuss current issues in the private equity-backed professional corporation and management services organization (PC-MSO) model of healthcare delivery.
- Newsday
Doctor charged with pandemic-related healthcare fraud
This article covers Long Island Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Tim Sini’s successful bail argument on behalf of a prominent cardiologist accused of healthcare fraud. A federal judge granted the bail request and allowed the doctor to continue billing claims to Medicare and other federal healthcare programs while his case is pending. The NP team representing the doctor also includes Long Island Healthcare partner Michele Masucci and associate Michal Ovadia.April 20, 2022 - Rochester Business Journal
Team from Nixon Peabody helps surgical practice expand
This feature article, focusing on NP client New York Bariatric Group’s expansion into Oklahoma and Arkansas, includes Rochester Corporate partner Lori Green and Long Island Healthcare partner Michele Masucci for leading the all-female team that advised NYBG. Lori is also quoted on how the transaction could serve as a blueprint for other medical practices looking to affiliate with a management services organization and expand. The NP team also included Rochester Corporate associate Jennifer Jovcevski, and Long Island associate Jennifer Greco and New York associate Jena Grady, both in the Healthcare group.Dec 30, 2021 - Long Island Business News
Bariatric practice expands into Oklahoma, Arkansas
This feature article, focusing on NP client New York Bariatric Group’s expansion into Oklahoma and Arkansas, includes Long Island Healthcare partner Michele Masucci and Rochester Corporate partner Lori Green for leading the team that advised NYBG. Michele is also quoted on our firm’s work with NYBG. The NP team also included Long Island associate Jennifer Greco and New York associate Jena Grady, both in the Healthcare group; and Rochester Corporate associate Jennifer Jovcevski.Dec 16, 2021 - Podcast
Middle Market Musings (S1E1)
April 2, 2021 - Mergers & Acquisitions
Charlesbank Buys Stake in MB2 Dental from Sentinel
This article on investment firm Charlesbank Capital Partners’ majority-interest acquisition in MB2 Dental—a dental partnership organization with affiliated practices across 24 states—mentions the firm for the work by Health Care partners Michele Masucci and Mike Schnipper, in Long Island, and associate Jena Grady, in New York.Feb 1, 2021 - Modern Healthcare
Hospitals can transfer patients’ medical debt to RIP Medical Debt, regulators say
In this article on the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s advisory opinion that will expand national nonprofit and client RIP Medical Debt’s services, Long Island Health Care partner Michele Masucci is quoted on the legal nuances of the advisory opinion and anti-kickback concerns.July 28, 2020 - The Deal
Thomas H. Lee invests in Professional Physical Therapy
This article is about private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners LP ‘s recent investment in Professional Physical Therapy, a provider of physical therapy and rehabilitation services. Long Island health care partner Michele Masucci and associate JoAnna Nicholson are noted as representing Professional Physical Therapy.Dec 20, 2016 - Newsday
Northwell Ventures turns employee ideas into products
Partner and leader of the health care practice Michele Masucci is quoted in this article discussing health care systems’ efforts to grow revenue by tapping employee innovation. Michele provides third-party commentary on the positive impact that venture capital financing can have for health care systems offering them an ownership stake in these new technologies.March 12, 2016 - Innovate Long Island
Nixon Peabody named top health law firm
This coverage highlights our health care practice’s U.S. News–Best Lawyers “Law Firm of the Year” recognition. Practice group leader Michele Masucci is quoted. The firm’s national tier 1 rankings are also highlighted.Nov 2, 2015 - The Deal
J.H. Whitney Acquires Pediatric Services Holding Corporation
Nixon Peabody is noted among J.H. Whitney Capital Partners’ legal counsel in this article on the private equity firm’s acquisition of Pediatric Services Holding Corp, the parent company of PSA Healthcare.March 25, 2015 - Crain's New York Business
ACO Rules Allow For-Profit Medicine?
Partner and Health Care Practice Group leader Michele Masucci and Albany Health Care partner Laurie Cohen are quoted throughout this article discussing the possible impact of New York’s new ACO regulations on the state’s prohibition against the corporate practice of medicine.Oct 22, 2014 - Law360
Dealmakers Q&A
Health Care and Life Sciences leader Michele Masucci is profiled in this Law360 Q&A series with dealmaking movers and shakers.Aug 13, 2014
Admitted to practice
New York
Education
Brown University, B.A.
University of Virginia School of Law, J.D.
Professional activities
- Undue Medical Debt, Board Chair, Board of Directors
- Franciscan Sisters of the Poor Foundation, Board of Directors
- The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration, Board of Directors
- New York City Bar Association, Member, Task Force on Civic Education
- Thompson Reuters Practical Law, Advisory Board, Health Care and Life Sciences Service
Recognition
- SCALE Community’s 40 Most Influential Healthcare Leaders 2024
- The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 Health Care Law (listed in Best Lawyers since 2012)
- Best Lawyers® 2024, 2017, and 2020 – Health Care Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Long Island, NY
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business Healthcare, Band 1 (2011-present)
- New York Super Lawyers (2010-present) – Recognized for exceptional standing in the legal community in the area of Healthcare
- The Legal 500 United States 2024 editorial Healthcare—Service Providers (as well as in previous editions)
Insights And Happenings
View AllProfessionals in the Practice Area
View AllLindsay Maleson
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Healthcare- Long Island
- Office:+1 516.832.7627
- lmaleson@nixonpeabody.com
-