Nationally Recognized Health Industry Leader Named Senior Advisor to Manatt

NEW YORK, July 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/– Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, announced that it has engaged Carol Raphael as a senior advisor with Manatt Health Solutions, the firm's interdisciplinary policy and business advisory division, in its New York office.

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This year, President Barack Obama appointed Raphael as a member of the recently created Commission on Long-Term Care. She is one of 15 members of the commission, which is charged with recommending legislative or administrative actions to ensure long-term care for older adults and people with disabilities. Raphael also serves as vice chair of the board of directors of AARP.

Raphael is the former president and chief executive officer of the Visiting Nurse Service of New York. Under her leadership, VNSNY grew to be the largest nonprofit home healthcare organization in the United States. In her 22 years serving as its CEO, Raphael expanded the organization's services and launched innovative models of care for complex populations with chronic illnesses, including the Managed Long-Term Care Plan for nursing home eligibles covered by Medicaid. It has become the largest long-term managed care plan in New York.

"Carol's depth of expertise in healthcare policy as it relates to long-term care, Medicare and Medicaid is unparalleled," said William Bernstein, chair of Manatt's Healthcare Division. "She has distinguished herself as an authority, strategically tackling issues facing our vulnerable population. Her vast leadership roles, combined with her talent and dedication, will make her a valued advisor to Manatt clients. We are thrilled to be working with Carol."

Raphael's collaboration with Manatt comes during a time of historic transformation of the healthcare industry. The Supreme Court decision on the Affordable Care Act last June and the election of President Obama to a second term have galvanized healthcare reform. Manatt is at the forefront of this transformation, helping determine the shape of the nation's healthcare system on behalf of its clients. In recent years, Manatt bolstered its national healthcare policy by adding such experienced professionals as Deborah Bachrach, former Medicaid director for New York state, and Joel Ario, former director of exchanges under President Obama.

Raphael has served on numerous commissions, including the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, the New York State Hospital Review and Planning Council and several Institute of Medicine committees. She was a member of New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo's Medicaid Redesign Team.

"Manatt Health Solutions is highly respected in the industry, known for devising effective solutions at the nexus of health policy and business. Its high-level and cutting-edge engagements for a sophisticated clientele make Manatt a perfect place to continue making a difference in patient care and system efficiency," Raphael said. "I look forward to working with this exceptional team as we advise clients on how to respond to challenges in a complex business and policy climate."

Raphael earned a B.A. from City College of the City University of New York and an M.P.A. from Harvard University. Last year, she was an Advanced Leadership Fellow at Harvard University. She co-edited the book "Home-Based Care for a New Century" and was a Visiting Fellow at the King's Fund in the United Kingdom.

About Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, is one of the nation's leading law firms, with offices strategically located in California (Los Angeles, Orange County, Palo Alto, San Francisco and Sacramento), New York (New York City and Albany) and Washington, D.C. The firm represents a sophisticated client base – including Fortune 500, middle-market and emerging companies – across a range of practice areas and industry sectors. For more information, visit www.manatt.com.

About Manatt Health Solutions

Manatt Health Solutions is a division of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP. Its interdisciplinary team provides strategic business advice, policy analysis, project implementation, and coalition building and advocacy services to clients in the areas of health information technology, and healthcare access and coverage, including development of new healthcare delivery system models. MHS professionals also provide counsel on financing, reimbursement, restructurings, and mergers and acquisitions to clients in the healthcare sector. For more information, visit www.manatthealthsolutions.aspx.

CONTACT:

Lawrence Martinez, (310) 231-5443
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

SOURCE Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP