Cover Story ________________________________________________________________________ ________
Forewarned is forearmed
At Akron Children’ s Hospital, pediatric care calls for legal leadership that champions access, compliance, and innovation
Pediatric care has unique pressures. Funding models differ from adult care. Consent can involve several caregivers. Access challenges affect families in ways that don’ t always match policy. Across the US, children’ s hospitals operate in systems where Medicaid is central, and each decision shapes outcomes for patients and families. These realities frame the work at Akron Children’ s Hospital( Akron).
Since opening in 1890, Akron has expanded to two hospitals campuses and nearly 70 care sites, serving about half a million patients each year. In 2027, the hospital will be opening two additional campuses in the Rocky River area of Cleveland and in Marietta OH, just north of West Virginia. Its reach covers emergency care, specialty treatment, and community services. Clinical decisions and regulatory requirements interact every day. In pediatric care, legal questions often arise right in the center of care delivery.
As Chief Legal Officer, Kimberly‘ Kim’ Moses’ department plays an integral role by making legal, compliance, and risk management part of the hospital’ s daily operations. Her team keeps the system running smoothly and within regulatory boundaries.“ The legal department includes attorneys, as well as compliance and risk management professionals.”
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