Deborah E. Mann

Deborah E. Mann is the head of the health law practice group at Sutin, Thayer & Browne APC and also serves as practice group lead for the firm’s commercial group. Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, her practice focuses on Health Care Law and Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants. She counsels health care organizations and professionals on regulatory compliance, institutional and professional malpractice matters, and risk management issues.

Ms. Mann advises clients on HIPAA compliance, patient privacy, and confidentiality obligations, and represents hospitals and physician groups in investigations conducted by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the Office of Civil Rights involving alleged HIPAA violations and discrimination claims. Her work includes preparing and reviewing contracts such as employment agreements and independent provider agreements, and advising health care providers on compliance with Stark Law and federal and state anti-kickback statutes.

She has assisted health care clients in defending fraud and false claims actions brought by federal and state authorities, evaluating Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement issues, and preparing self-disclosures and negotiating resolutions with governmental agencies. Ms. Mann also advises hospitals on credentialing and peer review matters, drawing on both her litigation background and regulatory experience. Her litigation practice includes representing hospitals, nursing homes, residential treatment centers, and individual providers—such as physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, and dentists—in personal injury and wrongful death cases.

Ms. Mann advises and assists clients with the New Mexico legislative process as it relates to Health Care Law, including legislation affecting medical malpractice matters. Her work includes drafting proposed legislation, reviewing and analyzing bills, participating in stakeholder meetings, and providing testimony before legislative committees.

She was named the 2021 Lawyer of the Year in Health Care Law in Albuquerque by Best Lawyers in America®. In the same year, Ms. Mann was appointed by the New Mexico Supreme Court to the Ad Hoc Committee to Review the Operation of the New Mexico Medical Review Commission and the Medical Malpractice Act.