The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University joined leadership from White Plains Hospital to recognize 12 hospital employees as graduates of the Law School’s inaugural Health Law and Policy Certificate for health professionals. This marks the first collaboration between the law school and a hospital to deliver on-site, customized legal training designed for physicians, nurses, administrators and other health care employees.

The Law School has long offered a robust education in health law and policy for both lawyers and students enrolled in its JD program, but partnered with White Plains Hospital to adapt its Health Law and Policy certificate program for practicing health care professionals who require some legal knowledge to adapt to changes in the industry. The certificate program, like Haub Law’s successful Flex JD program, exemplifies the Law School’s commitment to expanding access to advanced legal education for working professionals in the region.

“Health care professionals need to have a strong understanding of the ever-evolving legal, regulatory, and economic context in which they operate,” said Horace E. Anderson Jr., Dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law. “This partnership with White Plains Hospital is part of our commitment to provide innovative educational initiatives for our community. We are thrilled to see the positive impact this program has had on the inaugural class, enhancing their ability to meet professional challenges in their various roles at the hospital."

The 12-week Certificate Program, tailored to the specific needs of White Plains Hospital's staff, provided a framework of principles in health law and policy. Delivered by expert Haub Law faculty, the program covered topics ranging from legal issues involving Medicare, elder and end-of-life care to public health, bioethics, compliance, malpractice, contracts and social media. During the course, students engaged in a research project in their area of interest, which they presented to the class. The assignment provided a broader perspective based on their unique role at the hospital and created opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and dialogue.

“Participants had a wide range of job functions, in various departments within the organization. The diversity of disciplines brought together helped enhance the student’s understanding and application of the subject matter,” said Adjunct Professor Karen Gallinari who was one of the course instructors.

The Health Law and Policy Certificate Program was organized in collaboration with White Plains Hospital’s Human Resources Department, which demonstrates an ongoing commitment to training and education of its employees through a series of continuing education programs. During a ceremony at the hospital attended by Diane Woolley, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer, and Dean Akbar, Assistant VP, Human Resources and Organizational Development, Haub Law’s Associate Dean Jill Gross presented certificates to the 12 health care professionals enrolled in the program.

“Our hospital is committed to investing in our employees, and this program is a prime example of that commitment,” said Dean Akbar. “The knowledge and skills gained from this program can be directly applied to the work each participant does here at the hospital, enhancing our overall ability to deliver exceptional patient care."

Hospitals and healthcare organizations interested in collaborating with the Elisabeth Haub School of Law to deliver its Health Law and Policy Certificate Program to staff should contact Vice Dean Jill Gross at jgross@law.pace.edu.

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