Top Legal Considerations for Running a Successful Medical Practice

If done correctly, running a medical practice can be one of the most worthwhile business options you ever make. It’s exceptionally rewarding to deliver healthcare to those who need it. These benefits on the emotional side of things, though, can only be achieved when you have taken care of more grounded specifics, and these start with the need to keep on top of legal considerations. Getting those in place will ensure a business that runs smoothly and a practice that can deliver for its patients and staff alike.

Understanding patient privacy laws

There is maybe no information about a person that is more starkly private than their medical data. People can choose to share it with whoever they wish to, but a medical practice has to be fundamentally conscious of patient privacy, especially as it pertains to HIPAA. HIPAA breaches can expose a practice to fines of up to $50,000 per breach, so make sure that your staff are trained in a fully up-to-date way on their responsibilities in this regard. It’s not only a financial and legal consideration; it is something you morally owe to every patient you see.

Medical malpractice and legal liability

According to the American Medical Association, 34% of all working doctors have been sued at least once in their careers, with about half of that number having faced multiple suits. This doesn’t mean that one in three doctors are doing a poor job - not all of these suits have been successful, obviously. However, healthcare is an emotive field and people may bring suits for any number of reasons.

Your practice must ensure that it is fully covered with medical malpractice insurance to ensure that it is capable of dealing with any suits, and all professionals must be aware of their legal duties pertaining to patients and each other. Regular training in this regard is essential, and goes from the top to the bottom of the business.

Employment law and contract negotiation

There are two different kinds of contract your practice will likely enter into: contracts with staff and with vendors or service providers. On the first point, it is important to make sure you are on the right side of employment law: paying fair wages, complying with anti-discrimination law, and record-keeping. On the second, it is essential to have a contract lawyer look over any agreement you enter into with, for example, cleaning staff or pharmacy managers if these are not internally employed.

Failure to achieve a fair contract can lead to the other contractor withdrawing from their obligations under that contract, which can in turn negatively influence your ability to deliver a service. Keeping on top of this is something you’ll need to do before you consider what your practice can do for its patients.

Sustainability

An aspect to include in the foundational components of building your medical practice is business sustainability. One resource is The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC) which represents a technical consortium of medical product company manufacturers, waste collectors and recycling companies working to enable recycling of select packaging waste materials within hospital and medical facilities. Founded in 2011, the objective of HPRC is to enable packaging reduction and increased recycling of select product packaging waste streams within hospital and medical facilities.

Healthcare is a complicated, challenging field, and while you may be fully focused on delivering the best outcomes for your patient, it is important to remember that your legal obligations are not a distraction from doing that, but a framework upon which it can be built.

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The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Your Strategy in an Evolving Landscape

By Julie Starr • February 17, 2025

A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 7, 2025

I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects. The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.