AHLA Annual Meeting 2026

Nicholas F. Alarif focuses his practice on healthcare regulatory and fraud and abuse matters, including the physician self-referral law (Stark Law), False Claims Act (FCA), the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute and other healthcare compliance matters. He also advises clients on the complex legal and factual issues surrounding Medicare Parts A–D reimbursement and other Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) payment policies. With his combination of in-house, federal government and Big Law experience, Nick provides well-rounded and actionable counsel to healthcare clients, with business objectives and compliance at the forefront.

Prior to rejoining McDermott, Nicholas served as systems director and senior corporate counsel for one of the country’s largest non-profit health systems. He also worked within CMS where he focused on Stark Law matters, including regulatory policy, the Stark Law Self-Referral Disclosure Protocol, advisory opinions and providing technical assistance to the US Department of Justice on FCA investigations and litigation. Before CMS, Nicholas worked at the US Department of Health & Human Services Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals. Nicholas also currently serves as an adjunct professor of Healthcare Fraud & Abuse at the American University Washington College of Law.

Brad Dennis represents a broad range of healthcare organizations, with a particular focus on complex transactions involving health systems, health plans, innovative joint ventures, and value-based care models. He works with health systems, health plans, investors, and other providers to design and execute deals that advance clinical, financial, and strategic objectives in the evolving healthcare ecosystem.

In the hospital sector, Brad advises nonprofit and for-profit health systems and academic medical centers on acquisitions, divestitures, affiliations, and joint ventures. He is known for balancing governance, regulatory, and business considerations in ways that keep deals moving and create durable partnerships.

Brad centers a significant portion of his practice  on healthcare joint ventures. He has extensive experience structuring and negotiating hospital service line partnerships, joint ventures, and other multiparty collaborations involving health systems, health plans, and for-profit platforms. He is recognized for navigating complex investment, governance, and regulatory issues to align diverse stakeholders and support growth.

In the managed care space, Brad advises on health plan acquisitions; joint ventures; and the development of provider-sponsored health plans, risk-bearing entities, and value-based care “enabler” models. He is at the forefront of transactions that bring providers and payers together, helping organizations evaluate risk, align incentives, and advance sustainable value-based strategies.

Clients rely on Brad for his practical decision-making, deep industry insight, and ability to deliver innovative solutions that bridge business and clinical priorities. He is a trusted advisor in the boardroom and at the deal table, helping organizations make confident decisions in transactions that reshape markets and define the next generation of healthcare models.