DEBORAH E. MANN is the head of the firm’s health law practice group, and practice group lead for its commercial group. Her practice includes counseling clients on health law and institutional and professional malpractice. She is particularly knowledgeable regarding HIPAA compliance and other confidentiality issues. She represents hospitals and physician groups being investigated by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the Office of Civil Rights for alleged HIPAA violations and alleged discrimination. Deb prepares and reviews contracts, including employment contracts and independent provider agreements, for a variety of healthcare providers and provides advice on compliance with Stark and anti-kickback laws. She has assisted healthcare clients in defending fraud and false claims actions brought by the federal and state government, in evaluating Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement issues, and in making self-reports to, and negotiating settlements with, appropriate governmental entities. She advises hospitals on credentialing and peer review issues through both her litigation experience and regulatory work. Deb has represented hospitals, nursing homes, residential treatment centers, and individual providers including doctors, nurses, occupational therapists and dentists in personal injury and wrongful death cases.

Deb advises and assists clients with the state legislative process for progress in health law, including legislation governing medical malpractice cases. She drafts legislation, reviews and analyzes proposed bills, participates in stakeholder meetings, and testifies as an expert before legislative committees.

She was named the 2021 Lawyer of the Year in Health Care Law in Albuquerque by Best Lawyers in America. Deb was appointed by the New Mexico Supreme Court to the Ad Hoc Committee to Review the Operation of the New Mexico Medical Review Commission and the Medical Malpractice Act later that same year.

    • Healthcare and Hospital Law

    • Continuing Legal Education presentations on various topics

    • Client training presentations on various topics

    • Best Lawyers in America, Albuquerque Lawyer of the Year, Health Care Law, 2021

    • Best Lawyers in America, Health Care Law, 2021-present

    • Martindale-Hubbell rating: AV

    • American Bar Foundation, Fellow, 2017-2021; Life Fellow, 2022-present

    • Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow, 2017-present

    • American Bar Foundation, Fellow, 2016-present

    • Best Lawyers in America, Medical Malpractice Defense, 2013-present

    • Southwest Super Lawyers, Medical Malpractice Defense, 2013

    • Law Review Staff – August 1993 – May 1994

    • National Mock Trial Team – Spring 1994

    • Environmental Law Moot Court Team – Spring 1993

    • Order of the Coif

    • Sutin, Thayer & Browne, Sutin, Thayer & Browne, Office Group Leader, 2023-present.

    • Ad Hoc Committee to Review the Operation of the New Mexico Medical Review Commission and the Medical Malpractice Act, Member by Appointment of the New Mexico Supreme Court, 2021

    • American Bar Association, Health Law Section, Member

    • American Bar Association, Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health Interest Group, Vice Chair, 2016-present

    • American Health Lawyers Association, Member, 2016-present

    • Albuquerque Bar Association, Member

    • New Mexico Bar Association, Health Law Section, Member

    • New Mexico Defense Lawyers, Member and Past Editorial Board Member and Co-Editor

Admissions

  • New Mexico, 1995

  • U.S. District Court of New Mexico, 1995

  • 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, 1995

Education

  • University of New Mexico Law School, 1995, J.D., summa cum laude, class rank 1

  • University of New Mexico, 1985, B.S. in Civil Engineering