As an attorney in the healthcare group, Mary Elizabeth “Lizzie” Ford helps to advise hospitals and healthcare providers on various state and federal regulations. Lizzie is a results-driven, dedicated advocate for her clients, and she has a passion for the healthcare industry.

Prior to pursuing her legal career, Lizzie served a chaplain intern at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital while completing her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling where she visited intensive care units and provided support to staff, patients, and patients’ families and friends in time of crisis. Lizzie’s experiences give her an understanding of health systems from both a clinical and legal perspective.

Having been a healthcare law clerk at the firm before joining full-time, Lizzie is well-versed in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). She drafted HIPAA privacy policies, edited release of information forms, prepared evidence and exhibits, and educated clients on new HIPAA policies. Additionally, Lizzie addressed clients on issues related to healthcare fraud and abuse, Medicare and Medicaid requirements, pharmacy regulation, and scope of practice laws.

During law school, Lizzie also gained experience in both the private and public sector as a legal intern at the Indiana Disability Rights, a state government agency; a HIPAA, privacy, and general counsel extern at Indiana University Health; and a Greg S. Fehribach Center at Eskenazi Health intern for Eskenazi Health.