Jennifer J. Thomas

Jennifer Jones Thomas is a health care law attorney at Kean Miller in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who advises healthcare organizations and their stakeholders on the legal and operational challenges involved in today’s healthcare environment. Her background includes a law degree, a Master of Health Science, and prior work within healthcare facilities, providing her with a practical understanding of how legal guidance intersects with healthcare operations. She is among a limited number of attorneys formally certified in health law by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization.

Jennifer represents local, regional, and national healthcare organizations across a broad range of health care law matters. Her practice includes transactional counseling, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution. She regularly represents healthcare clients in state and federal courts, as well as before administrative agencies, disciplinary panels, and in arbitration and mediation. Clients often rely on her ability to coordinate legal strategy efficiently while serving as a central point of contact among multiple advisors involved in complex health law matters.

Her health care law practice encompasses Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse matters, audits, overpayments, and recoupments; Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute compliance; HIPAA privacy and security compliance; the Federal False Claims Act; the Louisiana Medical Assistance Program Integrity Law; the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; the Louisiana Unfair Trade Practices Act; healthcare provider licensure; and Louisiana healthcare regulations and legislation. Jennifer also assists individual healthcare providers before Louisiana licensing boards and defends healthcare organizations in matters brought by the Louisiana Attorney General.

Jennifer works closely with healthcare entities and professionals to address complex issues unique to the healthcare industry. She focuses on risk management, compliance planning, and practical problem-solving, helping organizations navigate internal and external conflicts through clear communication and thoughtful legal strategy.

In addition to her health care law practice, Jennifer represents clients in the education sector throughout Louisiana. She advises parish school systems, private schools, and parochial schools on litigation, regulatory compliance, property acquisitions, planning and zoning, contract negotiations, intellectual property matters, and employment disputes. Her work also includes drafting internal policies, procedures, and employee and student handbooks, as well as advising on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Louisiana education laws and regulations, and the Louisiana Public Records Act.

Before attending law school, Jennifer earned a Master of Health Science from the LSU Medical Center and worked as a Case Manager in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for a regional healthcare provider. This experience allows her to effectively collaborate with healthcare executives and leadership teams, including clinical, operational, financial, and information technology professionals.

Drawing on her combined experience as a healthcare professional and attorney, Jennifer understands the operational realities and decision-making processes of healthcare organizations at various stages of growth. She helps clients develop legal solutions that align with regulatory requirements while remaining consistent with organizational structure and culture.

This practical perspective allows Jennifer to assess complex issues, evaluate available options, anticipate potential consequences, and develop efficient paths toward resolution. Her approach reflects a thorough understanding of both the legal framework governing health care law and the day-to-day challenges faced by healthcare providers and organizations.