Health Law Section

The Health Law Section focuses on the business of health care, state and federal reform, fraud and abuse, antitrust, new modes of health care delivery, insurance issues, and many other concerns.

The Section sponsors monthly one hour CLE programs addressing topics of interest. See Calendar of Events for details. The Section also publishes a periodic newsletter which states cases, issues and happenings, and includes in-depth articles by members and other persons knowledgeable about significant areas of health care.

Health Law Section Leadership for 2009–2010

The WSBA Health Law Section is pleased to announce the individuals who will serve in leadership positions for the 2009-2010 term of office, including:

Chair – Carol Sue Janes
Carol Sue Janes practices health law at Bennett Bigelow & Leedom, P.S., Seattle, where she serves as chair of the litigation practice group. She is a member of the Washington State Society of Healthcare Attorneys. She represents health care practitioners in matters before the Department of Health. Carol Sue also represents clients regarding health care regulatory, licensing, and reimbursement issues. Her clients include health care entities, practitioners, and suppliers. Before joining Bennett Bigelow & Leedom, she clerked at the Washington State Supreme Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. She also taught at the University of Washington School of Law. Carol Sue looks forward to serving the Health Law Section and its members as chair for the coming year. 

Chair-elect – Gregory E. Montgomery
Greg Montgomery began working in the health care area about ten years ago and it has been the almost exclusive focus of his practice for the last four or five years. Currently with Miller Nash LLP in Seattle, he primarily represents and advises hospitals in peer review and corrective action matters and any subsequent litigation. However, Greg also represents practitioners before the Oregon Medical Board and the Washington Department of Health.

Secretary – Megan E. Grembowski
Megan Grembowski is an attorney with an active health law practice at Bennett Bigelow & Leedom, P.S., Seattle. In addition to her law degree, she earned a Master's degree in Public Health (M.P.H.) from the University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine. Megan is also a member of the Washington State Society of Health Care Attorneys. Her practice focuses on billing compliance, reimbursement, fraud and abuse, HIPAA, and other commercial and regulatory matters. 

Treasurer – Vacant 

Immediate Past Chair – Martin L. Ziontz
Martin Ziontz is a partner with the law firm of Peizer, Richards & Ziontz, P.S., in Seattle.

At Large Council Member (appointed position):

Mark A. Bonanno
Mark Bonanno is a health care attorney with a private practice in Portland, Oregon. In addition to his law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School, he has a M.P.H. from Boston University. He is the past chair of the Oregon State Bar's section for health law and has served as an adjunct professor of health law with the Portland State University School of Government. Mark is also a vice-chair of the American Health Lawyers Association Fraud and Abuse Practice Group. His firm provides business and compliance legal services to health care professionals in Oregon and Washington.

Helen M. Nowlin
Helen Nowlin has a law degree from Gonzaga University and an LL.M. in Environmental Law from George Washington University. She has an interest in environmental health and public health policy. 

David E. Smith
David Smith has practiced law for 20 years. He is general counsel for Valley Medical Center in Renton and its 105-member physician group. He has previously practiced as a medical malpractice defense attorney. David has a broad background in a wide variety of healthcare issues, including physician self-referral (Stark and related laws), regulatory compliance and fraud and abuse, among other areas. 

Section Members:  To join the section listserve and receive information about section activities and other section-related matters, please send your e-mail address and Bar number to questions@wsba.org.

Join the Section
In accordance with the section's bylaws, and with the exception of law students, an individual must be an active member of the WSBA.

Committees of the Section cover areas from federal and state issues to disciplinary matters, help plan CLEs, and offer a forum for both formal and informal discussion. 

• CLE
• Licensing and Discipline
• Membership
• Newsletter
• State Law
• Federal Matters