Mark A. Johnson

In the courtroom, before regulators, or in legislative offices, Mark Johnson is a forceful advocate for post-acute health care providers and clients in every part of the health care ecosystem. With a career dedicated to advancing the interests of his health care clients and the entire industry, Mark has earned a reputation for his comprehensive knowledge of the legal and regulatory framework in which they operate and his intuitive understanding of the business, financial, and practical challenges they face. Whether representing clients in fraud and abuse investigations and proceedings, contributing to the development of legislation and policy, or advising on compliance and other matters, Mark serves as a valued partner and indispensable ally. 

Focusing a significant percentage of his practice on the unique legal and business issues that arise in the post-acute health care space, Mark is a trusted authority and thought leader in the industry. He represents skilled nursing facilities and a broad range of post-acute health care providers, including some of California’s largest skilled nursing companies. His clients also include health care provider trade associations, pharmacies, home health companies, and other related businesses and individuals.

Mark’s clients benefit from his deep and broad insights not only into laws and regulations as written but as they are interpreted and enforced in practice. Regulators and other relevant authorities at the federal and state levels know and respect Mark, facilitating productive discussions and favorable resolutions that help his clients avoid needless disruption and expense. He provides counsel on matters involving appropriate reimbursement from governmental payors or health plans and insurers, manages audits, investigations, and legal actions relating to fraud, abuse, and program integrity. Mark also fights adverse survey, certification, and enforcement actions and handles major transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, asset sales, joint ventures, and financings.

A seasoned litigator, Mark defends his clients in a wide range of civil and regulatory cases, with a particular emphasis on fraud investigations and issues involving the False Claims Act. He is acutely aware of how the federal government approaches anti-fraud enforcement in the health care space, allowing him to effectively parry its often overzealous efforts. Mark’s advocacy has diffused existential threats to individual practitioners and large health care organizations alike, and led to favorable outcomes in complex, high-stakes investigations and proceedings. 

Many health care businesses and organizations turn to Mark to serve as their outside general counsel and provide actionable guidance on an array of day-to-day operational questions, strategic planning issues, compliance matters, and reimbursement battles. Mark feels privileged to participate in important policy issues and the development of law by representing stakeholders, helping to draft and shape legislation, training clients in compliance, and defending them in litigation.

Mark has been recognized by Chambers USA as offering notable fraud and abuse strength. Clients have stated, “Mark is really sharp and hard-working.” And, Mark is “Excellent in every way.”

As both a legal and business adviser, Mark provides health care clients with holistic representation that can position them for sustained success in an ever-changing market.