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Christopher Sears
Owner, Ice Miller LLP
Professional Background
Christopher Sears is a distinguished legal expert specializing in health care and employee benefits law. His extensive experience provides employers with invaluable assistance in designing and maintaining comprehensive health and retirement plans tailored to their needs. With a sharp focus on implementing health care reform, Chris is dedicated to ensuring his clients are well-prepared for the evolving regulatory landscape.
Chris's work encompasses a diverse range of clients, including public and private sector employees, healthcare institutions, and various tax-exempt organizations. Leveraging his deep knowledge of the industry, he expertly aids clients in establishing employer-sponsored health plans and additional benefits such as cafeteria plans, tuition reimbursement plans, and life insurance options. His commitment to compliance is paramount, and Chris ensures his clients are adhering to a plethora of laws such as ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, HIPAA, ADA, FMLA, and COBRA, protecting both the organizations he works with and their employees alike.
Furthermore, Christopher's dedication extends to the realm of health information privacy law, where he diligently supports health plans and providers to navigate the intricacies of HIPAA's privacy regulations and state-specific privacy laws. His collaboration with the Indianapolis Network for Patient Care and the National Health Information Network underscores his commitment to enhancing health data sharing across institutions for better patient outcomes.
Education and Achievements
Chris's impressive educational background lays the foundation for his successful career in law. He earned his Doctor of Law (J.D.) from the esteemed Indiana University School of Law—Bloomington, which is recognized for producing adept legal professionals. Prior to his law degree, Chris obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Indiana University Bloomington, complemented by his formative education at Center Grove High School.
As a testament to his expertise and leadership in the field, Chris serves as the Owner at Ice Miller LLP, where he influences the strategic direction of the firm and its offerings in health care law and employee benefits. His role enables him to lend his expansive knowledge to clients while fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Christopher Sears has garnered commendations for his dedicated efforts in health law and employee benefits. His consulting work in establishing and managing employee pension and retirement plans is notable, as he assists clients in navigating the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and ERISA with precision. His guidance on 401(k) plans, tax-sheltered annuities, and various compensation arrangements ensures that employers can provide valuable benefits to their employees while maintaining compliance with legal standards.
Moreover, his participation in the Data Use and Reciprocal Support Agreement Team for the National Health Information Network since 2007 showcases his commitment to advancing health information technology and the efficient sharing of pertinent health data amongst providers.
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question
How did Christopher Sears contribute to health care reform initiatives throughout his career?
What strategies has Christopher Sears implemented to ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations for his clients?
How has Christopher Sears's background in Political Science and History influenced his approach to health care law?
What notable projects has Christopher Sears led in collaboration with the Indianapolis Network for Patient Care?
In what ways has Christopher Sears impacted the employee benefits landscape for both public and private employers?
What are the key challenges Christopher Sears faces in the realm of health information privacy?
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