Murer Consultants, Inc. is comprised of 25 individuals, 14 consultants and 11 other staff members. While the consultants share a similar background in law, they all contribute different levels of expertise. The additional staff helps to support and maintain the daily operation of the Murer Consultants firm.

Robert L. Monroe, J.D., LL.M.
Vice President

Monica Hon, J.D.
Vice President

Jack Grewer, Jr., J.D., R.N.
Consultant

Robert M. Morgan, J.D.
Senior Consultant

Kyle Vasquez, J.D.
Consultant

Jeffery L. Borello
Director, Information Technology

R. Alan Coppock, M.Ed., M.B.A.
Administrator
Oak Tree Hospital at
     Baptist Regional Medical Center

Debra M. Frost
Senior Analyst / Consultant

Ryan Yokley, J.D.,M.H.A.
Vice President

A.J. Wilhelmi, J.D.
Senior Healthcare Consultant

Tara K. Kennedy, J.D.
Senior Consultant

Susan M. Maupin, J.D., R.N.
Senior Consultant

Lynn Kuehn, MS, RHIA,
     CCS-P, FAHIMA
Consultant

Joseph Murrell
Administrator
Oak Tree Hospital at
      Baptist Northeast

 

Robert L. Monroe, J.D., LL.M.
Vice President

Robert L. Monroe, J.D., LL.M., is Vice President of Murer Consultants, Inc. He has received Juris Doctor degree and Master of Laws in Health Law degrees from DePaul University College of Law. In 1993, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

As a Vice President, Mr. Monroe has focused on corporate healthcare compliance and the development of post acute care venues. Mr. Monroe’s healthcare compliance experience encompasses performing onsite provider audits, the development of compliance educational materials for providers and advising institutional clients on a wide range of federal and state regulatory issues.

Mr. Monroe’s involvement in the development of post acute care entities has included the preparation of Certificate of Need applications in several states, preparing providers for Medicare certification surveys and ensuring their compliance with Office of Civil Rights requirements. Mr. Monroe has also represented providers seeking Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations Certification. He also has expertise in the development of provider-based entities and change of ownership transactions.

Prior to joining Murer Consultants, Inc., Mr. Monroe served on the editorial board of the Journal of Health and Hospital Law addressing key issues that will dictate future health policy.


Monica Hon, J.D.
Vice President
 

Monica Hon, J.D. is a Vice President with Murer Consultants, Inc.  Ms. Hon received her Juris Doctor degree from Loyola University School of Law in Chicago, Illinois.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Illinois in Chicago.

 

Ms. Hon joined the group after acquiring more than 7 years of well rounded management experience from a wide array of industry types.  She has experience in such industries as telecommunication, transportation, and consumer finance.

Ms. Hon’s area of expertise at Murer Consultants involves providing guidance, advocacy and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations with a concentration in Medicare Conditions of Participation, Civil Rights and Provider Based regulations. Her expertise also includes the analysis and preparation of Certificate of Need applications, change of ownership, consolidation and merger transactions, provider based applications and the operation, licensing and certification of rehabilitation and skilled nursing units and facilities.

Ms. Hon’s work at Murer Consultants includes providing oversight to compliance audits, writing policies and procedures, overseeing compliance education programs, assisting with the investigations of complaints and assisting the chief compliance officers of numerous facilities.

Ms. Hon is bilingual in English and Spanish and donates her time to several non-profit organizations in her community, including serving on the Board of Directors of La Salle County CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocates Association.

 


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Ryan J. Yokley, J.D., MHA
Vice President

Ryan James Yokley, J.D., MHA, is a Vice President of Murer Consultants, Inc.  Mr. Yokley received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia, School of Law and his Master of Health Administration degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia, School of Medicine.  He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri.

 

At Murer Consultants, Mr. Yokley’s efforts are focused on assisting healthcare organizations with identifying and achieving their goals through organizational restructuring and addressing applicable Federal and State rules and regulations.  Specifically, Mr. Yokley devotes a significant amount of his practice assisting healthcare providers with ensuring continuation of Medicare certification and licensure in relation to business transactions such as change of ownerships, acquisitions, and mergers; as well as obtaining Medicare certification and licensure for newly developed providers.

 

Additionally, Mr. Yokley has significant experience in assisting providers with emergency disaster preparation and recovery.  This entails identification of Federal and state sources of disaster reimbursement funding, identifying eligible expenses, and completing the filing processes and documentation needed to receive Federal and State reimbursement.    

 

Prior to joining Murer Consultants, Inc., Mr. Yokley was an associate attorney in Joplin, Missouri, specializing in personal injury, professional malpractice, products liability and family law.  He appeared in court, drafted legal documents, interviewed witnesses, conducted investigative work, and negotiated settlements with insurance agents and creditors.

 

Previously, Mr. Yokley was a Student Consultant for both the Missouri Department of Corrections – Medical Services as well as the Capital Regional Medical Center.  As Student Consultant he developed a performance measurement matrix comprised of appropriate healthcare indicators and benchmark data for use in Missouri prisons.  He also collected data and evaluated the workflow process and clinical pathways for medical examination and treatment. In addition, he presented findings to state officials and legislators for implementation, and findings and recommendations to increase efficiency to the management of the Medical Center.

 

Mr. Yokley served an internship at the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Center for Managed Care, in Rockville, Maryland.  In 1994 he was appointed as an Intern to the House of Parliament in London, England, where he assisted in the release of statements and data reports to media outlets, and conducted research on issues related to constituent opinions. 

 


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A.J. Wilhelmi
Senior Healthcare Consultant

Illinois State Senator A.J. Wilhelmi, J.D., has joined Murer Consultants as a Senior Healthcare Consultant.  Senator Wilhelmi is a graduate of Loyola University where he majored in English with minors in Philosophy and Political Science.  He graduated from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1993 with a Juris Doctor degree.

 

During his 14 years of practicing law, Senator Wilhelmi specialized in the business law, real estate, and transactional arena.

 

Senator Wilhelmi was first appointed to the Illinois Senate in January 2005 and then elected in November 2006 to represent the communities of the 43rd Senate District in Illinois.

 

Long involved in Joliet and the surrounding community, Senator Wilhelmi has served as the Chairman of the Board for the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce as well as chairing the Diplomats Committee for the Will County Center for Economic Development.  In Springfield Senator Wilhelmi serves as the Chairman of the Judiciary Criminal Law Committee.  He is also a member of the Senate Education, Agriculture and Conservation, Appropriations II, and Judiciary Civil Law Committees.

 

Senator Wilhelmi’s work at Murer is focused on healthcare property development, mergers and acquisitions, Medicare Compliance and Regulatory Analysis, as well as specialized consultation in 340B Pharmacy, FQHCS, Rural Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Skilled Nursing Facilities, and Home Care.


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Debra M. Frost
Senior Analyst / Consultant

Debra M. Frost is a senior analyst and consultant with Murer Consultants.  Since joining the firm in 1989, Ms. Frost has specialized in the areas of situational audits and financial and statistical data review.

As part of a project, Ms. Frost will review statistical data for revenue analysis including the development of proformas and profit and loss statements for acute hospitals and healthcare systems to determine need for post acute venues of care.

In addition, she has an extensive background in computer science and has used these skills in assisting in the development of customized computer programs. Ms. Frost has worked on a wide range of integrated projects for hospitals and health systems including feasibility studies, development of Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF) and Long Term Care Hospitals (LTACH). She has also worked on several marketing projects including name identification and image building for a rehabilitation network.

Ms. Frost’s previous experience is grounded in strong business principles having served as a purchasing agent and business manager for a large industrial contractor.


Susan M. Maupin, J.D., R.N.
Senior Consultant
 

Susan M. Maupin, J.D., R.N., is joining Murer Consultants, Inc., as a consultant.  Ms. Maupin started her career as a Registered Nurse with an Associate Degree in Nursing from Purdue University in Hammond, Indiana.  She then continued on at Purdue receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology.  After working as an R.N. for 14 years, she graduated from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago receiving her Juris Doctor in January 2005.

 

At Murer, Ms. Maupin works on Policies and Procedures for hospitals, the credentialing of physicians, as well as performing chart reviews for client hospitals.  Her clinical experiences and training dovetail into her legal understanding of regulations to allow her to make important observations and allow for meaningful policies and procedures.

 


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Robert M. Morgan, J.D.
Senior Consultant 

 

Robert M. (Bob) Morgan, J.D., has joined Murer Consultants, Inc. as a consultant.  Mr. Morgan received his Juris Doctor degree from the Northern Illinois University College of Law in DeKalb, Illinois.  Prior to his law degree, he graduated from the University of Illinois in Urbana with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

 

Mr. Morgan came to Murer from a litigation firm in Chicago.  Prior to that, he had worked as a law clerk at the Cook County and Kane County State’s Attorney’s Offices. 

 

Mr. Morgan has co-authored two chapters in medical publications.  “What You Need to Know about HIPAA,” was included in Medical-Legal Aspects of Medical Records Analysis, and “Nursing College Evaluation Systems and Their Legal Implications” was added to Teaching Nursing: The Art and Science, both published in 2005.    

 

At Murer Consultants, Mr. Morgan works on the development of long term acute care hospitals throughout the country, including the preparation of state Certificate of Need applications.  He also facilitates federal and state regulatory compliance of healthcare facilities he works with.

 

 

 


 
Tara K. Kennedy, J.D.
Senior Consultant

 

Tara K. Kennedy, J.D., joined Murer Consultants, Inc. as a consultant.  Ms. Kennedy received her Juris Doctor degree with honors from the Chicago-Kent College of Law in Chicago, Illinois.  Prior to her law degree, she graduated magna cum laude from Loyola University in Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in English, minoring in Philosophy and Psychology of Crime and Justice.

 

Ms. Kennedy came to Murer from a mid-sized litigation firm in Chicago where she worked on several medically related matters.  She has experience in product liability, pharmacy, and insurance litigation.  She managed and handled a significant case load and communicated directly with clients regarding litigation strategy and settlement assessment.  Ms. Kennedy also assisted complex litigation matters in pharmaceutical and medical device areas.

 

At Murer Consultants, Ms. Kennedy works on the development of long term acute care hospitals, as well as hospital/medical staff bylaws and policies and procedures for these hospitals.  She also ensures federal and state regulatory compliance of the healthcare facilities she works with.

 


 

Kyle Vasquez, J.D.

Consultant

 

Kyle A. Vasquez, J.D., LL.M., has joined Murer Consultants, Inc., as a consultant.  He received his Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago and has a B.A. in Economics from The University of Illinois.  He comes to Murer from the Loyola University, Chicago School of Law where he received his L. Legum Magister degree in Health Law in May of 2007.

 

Prior to joining Murer, Mr. Vasquez was an extern for the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights in Chicago.  While there he reviewed HIPAA Privacy Rule complaints and investigated HIPAA Privacy Rule allegations, as well as investigating complaints of discrimination related to health care and human services.  He also has previous experience at the Rush University Medical Center, Office of Legal Affairs, where he drafted and revised agreements involving pharmaceuticals and clinical trials.  In addition, Mr. Vasquez has experience in insurance defense litigation. 

 

At Murer Consultants, Mr. Vasquez’ efforts are focused on regulatory review and compliance, and development activities for new health care facilities including psychiatric facilities, partial day hospitals, exempted rehabilitation providers, FHQCS, ESRDS, and other key components of the health care continuum.  Mr. Vasquez has particular expertise in compliance with provider-based criteria, especially the required coordination with multiple state regulations and cases.

 

 


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Jack Grewer, Jr., J.D., R.N.
Consultant
 

Jack E. Grewer Jr. is a consultant with Murer Consultants, Inc.  His intensive hands-on clinical experience as well as legal healthcare background enables Mr. Grewer to provide a well-rounded perspective to our clientele. Mr. Grewer has provided clinical support in multiple intensive care, psychiatric, telemetry, medical surgical and transitional care units.    He has been involved with home health and skilled nursing care.

At Murer Consultants, Mr. Grewer’s efforts are focused on Federal and State regulatory compliance, development activities for new health care facilities, licensure and certification. He has completed numerous audits, reviews and surveys of multiple venues of care to include Acute Care, Long Term Acute Care, Psychiatric, and Rehabilitation Hospitals to assure compliance with Federal and State rules and regulations.  He provides guidance with respect to new hospital, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and assisted living development and administration.

Mr. Grewer began his healthcare career in the United States Army.  He graduated at the top of his class in nursing at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, in 1995 prior to joining Murer Consultants.   

Mr. Grewer graduated with a Juris Doctor degree from the Northern Illinois University College of Law in DeKalb, Illinois, and is an active member of the Illinois Bar.  He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the Northern Illinois University School of Allied Health.

Mr. Grewer has a solid clinical and administrative foundation with regards to multiple aspects of healthcare. It is this foundation that is incorporated into his education in the law which allows Mr. Grewer to effectively fit administrative and clinical functions to integrate varying viewpoints that best serve the needs of the client.

 


Lynn Kuehn, MS, RHIA, CCS-P, FAHIMA

Consultant

 

Lynn Kuehn, MS, RHIA, CCS-P, FAHIMA, is a consultant and an educator for health care coding and audits.  She holds a MS degree in Health Services Administration from Cardinal Stritch University as well as a BS degree in Health Information Administration from the Viterbo University.  She is a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), a Certified Coding specialist for Physicians (CCS-P), and a Fellow of the American Health Information Management Association (FAHIMA).

 

With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, Ms. Kuehn has held leadership positions in large physician organizations, both privately owned and hospital-based.  Her experience includes operational assessment, coding and reimbursement system assessment, data quality management, compliance training, and information systems management for physician practices, surgery centers and ancillary diagnostic service providers.

 

Ms. Kuehn’s technical expertise and experience have led her to author CPT/HCPCS and Reimbursement for Physician Services for the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), now in the seventh edition.  She has published numerous articles on health information management issues and is an active speaker and educator.

 


Jeffery L. Borello
Director, Information Technology
 

Jeffrey L. Borello has served as Director of Information Technology at Murer Consultants for over 12 years through the Strategic Initiative Alliance.  His firm, Andromeda Computing Systems, has been in the forefront of technological change and its implementation since its founding. 

 

At Murer Consultants, Mr. Borello manages both information and system technology as well as the Murer.com website.  He is also involved with product development and promotion, client outreach, and Internet marketing efforts.

 

Mr. Borello has been active in the computer and software industry since 1986.  His areas of expertise include network design and maintenance, systems integration, and software design.

 


R. Alan Coppock, M.Ed., M.B.A.
Administrator, Oak Tree Hospital at Baptist Regional Medical Center

 

R. Alan Coppock, M.Ed., M.B.A., is employed by Murer Consultants, Inc. and Oak Tree Hospital Management LLC as the Administrator/CEO of Oak Tree Hospital at Baptist Regional Medical Center, a 25-bed long term acute care hospital in Corbin, Kentucky.  Mr. Coppock has been the Administrator of Oak Tree Hospital since its opening in August of 2004.

 

Prior to joining Oak Tree Hospital, Mr. Coppock spent six (6) years as the Vice President for the 240-bed acute facility, Baptist Regional Medical Center.  While Vice President he focused on CQI, physical plant compliance, building/renovation, team-building, customer satisfaction, and overall hospital operations.  He also served the hospital as Compliance Officer and HIPAA Privacy Officer.

 

Mr. Coppock received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, as a graduate of the Senior Executive MBA Program in 2002.  He graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1990 with a Master of Education in Educational Leadership.  He also majored in Computer Information Systems at Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Kentucky, where he attained a Bachelor of Science.

 

Prior to his experience as an executive in hospital administration, Mr. Coppock spent a year and a half as Vice-President for Marketing of a state-wide internet service provider.  He also has three years of experience in the home health industry with a focus on financial and business development.  Mr. Coppock began his professional career in higher education as he worked seven years for the president of a small private college in institutional advancement.


 

Joseph Murrell, MHA, FACHE

Administrator, Oak Tree Hospital at Baptist Northeast

 

Joseph Murrell, MHA, FACHE, joined Murer Consultants in May of 2006 and is currently employed as the Administrator of Oak Tree Hospital at Baptist Northeast a 25-bed long term acute care hospital in LaGrange, Kentucky.   The Hospital is managed by Murer Consultants, Inc. through a contract with Oak Tree Hospital Management, LLC.

 

Mr. Murrell has operational and financial leadership experience in managing changing reimbursement environments in the for-profit specialty sector including the following:

 

v      Management of payor and clinical requirements in for-profit settings;

v      Provider relations and contract negotiation (including managed care marketing, knowledge of managed care reimbursement methods and operational expertise in revenue management under a variety of federally imposed constraints);

v      Physician relations, development and contracting;

v      Leadership of marketing/sales and community education functions; and

v      Identification of key strategic success factors for organization and market share growth.

 

Mr. Murrell has 12 years experience as a CEO, with a total of 22 years healthcare executive experience.  He has worked in both for-profit and not-for-profit facilities.

 

Mr. Murer received his Bachelor of Science with a dual major from Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky, and went on to attain a Master of Health Care Administration at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri.  He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, attaining their “Fellow” status in March of 2007, as well as a Certified Healthcare Executive.