Remote Staff Attorney — Health & Administrative Law

This home-based (remote) position is open to Washington residents and those living in Oregon and Idaho only. Work may be performed remotely or from our office located in Tumwater, WA based on the employee’s preference.

Position tasks may occasionally require self-scheduled onsite work. If onsite work is requested by the supervisor, the request will be planned and communicated in advance.

The Opportunity

The Washington State Department of Health is seeking a Staff Attorney to deliver quality legal services to Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA) programs and other entities. This position directly supports the department’s mission to protect and improve the health of people in Washington by applying legal expertise to manage complex discipline cases. Specifically, this position supports DOH’s mission by preparing disciplinary cases against healthcare providers who engage in unprofessional conduct.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Case Management & Litigation

• Present legal issues to the disciplining authority in contested hearings (e.g., fast-track non-compliance, pro se disciplinary matters, request for modification, reinstatement, and release).

• Present agreed resolutions to disciplining authorities.

• Participate in case management meetings, case reviews, and regular or emergency case management teams.

• Resolve cases within the timelines established in chapter 246-14 WAC.

• Coordinate assigned cases with the assistant attorney general for cases that may proceed to a full hearing.

• Assist in identifying high-priority disciplinary matters.

Legal Research, Analysis & Consultation

• Research law and facts, and review records, exhibits, and case files to advise on questions of evidence, statutes, and regulations.

• Identify legal issues, develop strategies to address them, and communicate solutions.

• Respond to inquiries regarding administrative legal processes, various areas of law (administrative, constitutional, tort, health), rules of evidence, trial procedures, and court citation rules.

• Address questions related to federal and state statutes, departmental policies, healthcare confidentiality laws, and public disclosure.

• Provide investigation guidance and assist investigators with legal disputes, questions, and complex case plans.

• Assist program staff to determine when non-compliance action is appropriate.

Drafting & Document Review

• Draft legal documents to professional standards required by CR 11.

• Draft documents related to discipline in coordination with the assistant attorney general and/or disciplining authority representatives.

• Develop rules language for all regulated health professions, entities, and assigned HSQA programs.

• Review documentation for public disclosure matters and requests for release of file materials, such as subpoenas.

Settlement & Negotiation

• Participate effectively in administrative pre-hearing settlement negotiations to resolve legal matters.

• Draft and present proposed agreed orders, as well as final default and waiver orders, adhering to the sanction schedules in chapter 246-16 WAC.

Administration & Professional Communication

• Communicate effectively, professionally, and timely (orally and in writing) with all affected parties.

• Track and log daily work activities, including recordkeeping and time-tracking.

• Enter and update information and data into various Department systems and databases.

• Participate in ongoing process improvement and perform other duties as assigned.

Why You’ll Love This Role

The Staff Attorney applies their knowledge of state laws, the Uniform Disciplinary Act and Washington Administrative Procedure Act, and case law in the areas of administrative and health law. As a subject matter expert, you will serve as a legal resource for…