Attorneys & Staff
The Health Team is comprised of attorneys Tricia Kvitrud, Laure Rakvic-Farr and Mari Abdo.
- General Health Law
The Health Law Team provides legal advice and counsel to UW-Madison faculty and staff working in the health care field, including the members of the School of Medicine and Public Health, the School of Nursing and the School of Pharmacy. UW-Madison healthcare providers are staffed at four hospitals within the city of Madison as well as at approximately 50 ambulatory clinics around the state. - The attorneys respond to telephone and email inquiries from our health care providers regarding a wide range of health care matters, including questions relating to liability coverage, responding to subpoenas and requests for depositions, disclosures of medical information, informed consent issues, treatment of minors, and withdrawal of life-sustaining medical care. The attorneys also staff the UW Hospital and Clinics Ethics Committee. Additionally, the attorneys provide training and guidance related to reporting of child abuse, at-risk adults, and elder abuse.
- Resolution of Patient Complaints, Claims and Lawsuits
The Health Law Team plays an integral role in responding to and resolving patient complaints prior to suit. Working closely with the UW Medical Foundation Patient Resources office and the UW Hospital and Clinics Patient Relations office, the attorneys review and investigate patient complaints and claims, negotiate settlements, defend physician depositions, and act as liaisons between health care providers and the Department of Justice when a suit is filed. - Risk Management Education
Risk management education is aimed at reducing the risk of involvement in incidents and allegations of medical negligence. The Health Law attorneys regularly provide risk management education to health care providers, often in partnership with UW Hospital and Clinics’ risk managers. Topics frequently include an explanation of the medical malpractice process, providing informed consent, disclosing medical errors, good medical record documentation, and general risk management strategies.