D. Wade Emmert
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D. Wade Emmert

Wade is a highly accomplished health care attorney, board-certified in Health Law, and an Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M Law School. He represents a diverse range of clients, including individual providers, investors, and health care companies, offering expertise in mergers and acquisitions, data privacy, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, he offers robust defense for healthcare providers facing licensing board complaints and investigations. Wade is distinguished by his deep industry knowledge and commitment to protecting his clients’ interests and achieving their goals.

Wade is a well-known and accomplished healthcare attorney with clients spanning traditional and innovative health sectors. He represents a range of clients, from individual healthcare providers, investors, and managers to healthcare companies of all sizes.

Wade is a board-certified healthcare law attorney and adjunct professor at Texas A&M Law School, with expertise to handle a wide range of legal matters.

Merger & Acquisition Representation

  • Represents sellers of health care practices and companies
  • Deep experience across medical, chiropractic, optometry, podiatry, and other practice areas
  • Available to advise selling providers about health law issues that arise during due diligence

Wade provides guidance to healthcare providers navigating the complex process of selling their practice or business. With extensive experience representing sellers in transactions across various healthcare sectors, including physician services, behavioral health, and outpatient services, Wade works closely with clients to fully understand their unique needs.

Wade is an Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M Law School, teaching a course on Healthcare Transactions and Antitrust.

From conducting due diligence to negotiating favorable terms, Wade helps providers protect their interests and achieve their goals in the sale. With deep knowledge of healthcare regulations, Wade can help ensure compliance throughout the transaction, mitigating client risks.

Data Privacy and Emerging Technology Governance

  • Privacy and data governance
  • Artificial Intelligence implementation
  • HIPAA-compliance and breach management

Wade has industry-leading credentials in data privacy and governance, including emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). He provides critical guidance to healthcare organizations navigating an increasingly complex privacy and data landscape.

From advising on best practices for AI development and deployment to crafting effective governance policies, Wade empowers healthcare providers, technology companies, and other stakeholders to confidently leverage data-driven innovations while safeguarding patient privacy and maintaining trust.

Wade is double certified by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) as a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) and an Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP). He is also Certified in Cybersecurity (ISC2 CC), extending his knowledge to technical implementation.

Strategic Guidance

  • National growth strategies
  • Non-profit healthcare structures
  • Dental Service Organizations
  • Multidisciplinary medical practices

Wade provides counsel to healthcare organizations seeking to develop robust growth strategies and optimize their business structures. With experience advising on national expansion plans, Wade helps clients develop sustainable strategies that align with their mission and goals.

Wade also has expertise in advising non-profit healthcare entities and their unique business challenges. For dental service organizations and multidisciplinary medical practices, Wade offers tailored guidance on corporate structures, partnerships, and acquisitions to support their unique needs and objectives. By leveraging his understanding of the healthcare landscape, Wade empowers clients to make informed decisions and achieve long-term success.

Regulatory Compliance Advice

  • Federal and state fraud & abuse laws: Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, Civil Monetary Penalties Law (CMPL), Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act (EKRA)
  • HIPAA, EMTALA, No Surprises Act
  • Data Privacy and Governance

Wade provides comprehensive regulatory compliance advice to healthcare providers, helping them navigate the complex web of federal and state laws with confidence. With expertise in fraud and abuse laws, including Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, Civil Monetary Penalties Law (CMPL), and the Eliminating Kickbacks in Recovery Act (EKRA), Wade helps clients mitigate risks and avoid costly penalties.

Wade is an Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M Law School, teaching a course on Healthcare Fraud & Abuse.

Wade also guides organizations through the intricacies of HIPAA, EMTALA, the No Surprises Act, and other federal and state laws, allowing them to maintain compliance while delivering exceptional patient care.

Recognizing the critical importance of data privacy in the digital age, Wade works closely with clients to develop robust data governance plans that safeguard sensitive information and maintain trust. By leveraging his knowledge and practical experience, Wade enables healthcare providers to focus on their core mission while confidently navigating the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.

Reimbursement and Audit Defense

  • Medicare and Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) audits
  • Commercial insurance audits
  • False Claims Act and Qui Tam defense

As a skilled healthcare law attorney, Wade supports healthcare providers facing the daunting challenges of Medicare, Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC), and commercial insurance audits. With extensive experience resolving False Claims Act and qui tam actions, Wade offers strategic guidance to clients, helping them mount a robust defense to protect their company, practice, and reputation.

Wade’s adept understanding of the regulatory landscape allows him to anticipate potential pitfalls and develop proactive strategies to minimize risks. By leveraging keen analytical skills and persuasive advocacy, Wade ensures that his clients’ interests are vigorously defended, enabling them to focus on delivering exceptional patient care with peace of mind.

Retail Medicine Support

  • Medical weight loss clinics
  • Med spas and IV hydration therapy clinics

Wade provides comprehensive legal guidance to entrepreneurs and healthcare providers establishing and operating medical weight loss clinics, med spas, and IV hydration therapy clinics. With a deep understanding of Texas laws, such as the Corporate Practice of Medicine Doctrine, and the unique regulatory structure in the state, Wade offers strategic advice on licensing, scope of practice, and compliance with federal and state laws.

Wade’s expertise extends to drafting and reviewing contracts, informed consent forms, and other critical legal documents to protect his clients’ interests and mitigate risks. By staying abreast of the latest industry trends and legal developments, Wade serves as a trusted advisor to clients in all phases of the business cycle. Whether launching a new venture or seeking to expand an existing practice, Wade is committed to providing the personalized advice needed to thrive.

Healthcare License Defense

  • Defend providers in licensing board complaints and investigations
  • Experience with Texas Medical Board, Texas Nursing Board, Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Texas Board of Pharmacy, and Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors

Wade provides robust healthcare license defense to providers facing complaints and investigations from Texas licensing boards. With extensive experience representing clients before various regulatory bodies, Wade has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and high stakes involved in these proceedings.

Wade works tirelessly to protect his clients’ livelihoods and reputations, leveraging his keen analytical skills and persuasive advocacy to craft compelling defenses and negotiate favorable resolutions. By providing personalized attention and wise counsel throughout the process, Wade allows healthcare professionals to deal with the anxieties of licensing board investigations with confidence. Whether facing an initial complaint or a formal disciplinary action, Wade is committed to fighting for his clients’ licenses and ensuring that their voices are heard.

I am always prepared to leverage what I’ve learned for a client’s benefit.

D. Wade Emmert

Significant Matters

  • In re Lenny Lopez, ___ S.W.3d ___, 2018 Tex. App. LEXIS 1023 (Tex. App. – Tyler 2018)
  • In re Kristi Pena, 2017 Tex. App. LEXIS 1843 (Tex. App. – Dallas 2016) [Unpublished]
  • Barko v. Genzel, 123 S.W.3d 457 (Tex. App. – Eastland 2003, no writ)
  • Rice v. Pinney, 51 S.W.3d 705 (Tex. App. – Dallas 2001, no writ)

Areas of Focus

Education

Education

  • Baylor Law School (J.D., 1995)
    • Mock Trial Team
    • Order of Barristers
  • Abilene Christian University (B.A., Business and International Studies, magna cum laude, 1992)

Admissions

Bar Admissions
  • Texas
Court Admissions
  • United States Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District, Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District, Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Western District, Texas
  • State Courts
  • Court of Appeals
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District, Texas
  • Supreme Court, Texas
  • Board Certified in Health Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
  • • Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US)
  • Certified in Cybersecurity (ISC2/CC)

Leadership

  • Board Certified in Health Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
  • American Bar Association, Health Law Section
  • Texas Bar Association, Health Law Section
  • Dallas Bar Association, Health Law and Litigation Sections
    • Board of Directors, 2023-Present
  • Texas Health Lawyers Association
  • State Bar of Texas
  • Republican Party of Texas, General Counsel, 2019 – 2020
  • Republican Party of Texas, Assistant General Counsel, 2017 – 2019
  • Board of Directors, Institute for Policy Innovations, 2016 – 2020
  • Chairman, Dallas County Republican Party, 2011 – 2016
  • Board of Visitors, UNT | Dallas College of Law, 2014 – 2016
  • Board of Advisors, Methodist Charlton Medical Center, 2010 – 2016
  • Ten Most Influential People in Dallas, 2013
  • Cedar Hill City Council, 2004 – 2010
  • Chairman, Best Southwest Partnership, 2009-2010
  • Board Member, Best Southwest Partnership, 2006-2010
  • Civic Leader of the Year, Cedar Hill Chamber of Commerce, 2003
  • President, Cedar Hill Economic Development Corporation, 2003
  • Board Member, Cedar Hill Economic Development Corporation, 2001 – 2003
  • Ten Most Influential People in Dallas, Yahoo News, 2013
  • Member of Mensa, 2004 – present

Recognition

  • Named to D Magazine's "Best Lawyers in Dallas" List, 2024
  • IAPP - Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US)
  • IAPP - Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP)
  • ISC2 - Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
  • 2019 Board Certification in Health Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
  • 2018-2019 America’s Most Honored Professionals – Top 1%
  • 2017-2019 Client Champion Gold
  • 2016-2019 AV Preeminent Attorney
  • 2019 AV Preeminent – Lawyers.com
  • 2018 PRR AV Preeminent – Lawyers.com
  • 2017 America’s Most Honored Professionals – Top 5%
  • 2016 America’s Most Honored Professionals – Top 10%
  • 2015 BV Distinguished Icon
  • 2014-2015 BV Distinguished Attorney
  • Named to the Texas Super Lawyers list, as published in Texas Monthly magazine, 2003-2004, 2023 Thomson Reuters

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Speeches and Publications

  • Texas Health Law Highlights (weekly newsletter)
  • Healthcare Privacy Advisor (weekly newsletter)
  • Speaker, Administrative Rules of the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners, 2024 Texas Chiropractic Association Convention, June 2024
  • "The Med Spa on the Corner is Probably Breaking the Law." Dallas Bar Headnotes, April 2023
  • "The Compounding Problems of Semaglutide." Dallas Bar Headnotes, April 2024
  • "Bad Batch or Miracle Cure: Texas Response to Stem Cell Therapies." Dallas Bar Health Law Section, August 19, 2020
  • "Handling Licensing Board Investigations from Complaint to SOAH Hearing." Dallas Bar Health Law Section, August 18, 2021
  • "Integrated Practices and Med Spas: Understanding the Basic Rules of Ownership and Operations." Texas Health Law Conference, October 2021
  • "Representing Physicians and Pharmacists in DEA Investigations." Dallas Bar Health Law Section, July 20, 2022
  • "Recent Developments in Health Law Impacting the Practice of Medicine and Chiropractic in Texas." Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners, August 25, 2022
  • "Out-of-Network Claim Dispute Resolution and Private Right of Action under the Texas Insurance Code." Dallas Bar Health Law Section, August 16, 2023
  • "Hiding in Plain Sight: Compliance in Retail Medicine." Texas Health Law Conference, October 10, 2023

Outside of Work

I am very much a “process person,” and can be counted on to put in the work, follow through, and finish. Perhaps that’s why I enjoy endurance sports like triathlons and marathons. I have completed two Ironman 70.3s and several marathons. I enjoy endurance activities because they require a consistent commitment to get better—you can’t simply show up to a race unprepared and expect to do well. I’m inspired by a quote by the great wide receiver Jerry Rice, “Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I will do what others can’t.” Many of the opportunities and accomplishments in my life have been the direct result of steadily putting in the work. I find there is a certain karma that comes from such consistency. A commitment to consistent improvement drives me personally and professionally.