Charleston partner Matt Austin, Fort Lauderdale partner Gabe Imperato, and Washington, D.C. partner Jillian Willis will participate in the State Bar of Georgia’s 2026 Health Care Fraud Institute on February 11-12 in Jekyll Island, Georgia. Imperato serves as a presiding co-chair for this Nelson Mullins sponsored event.

Alongside their co-panelist, Sara E. Vann with the Office of the Attorney General, and moderator, Sanford V. Teplitzky with Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, Imperato and Willis will present, “Cooperation, Self-Disclosure and Resolution.” This session will dissect the considerations, strategies and options associated with self disclosure. The panelists will also discuss the features and procedures associated with the Office of Inspector General Self-Disclosure Protocol; the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Self- Referral Disclosure Protocol and the Georgia Medicaid Self Disclosure Options with the Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Georgia Medicaid State Agency. The panelists will also address options for self- disclosure to multiple state Medicaid Programs.

Additionally, Imperato will serve as a moderator on the panel, “Compliance Programs, Corporate Integrity Agreements, Independent Review Organizations and Board Experts.” This session will feature C. Patrick Braley with Bennett Thrasher P.C., and Judy Ringholz soon to be with Memorial Healthcare System, where the group will analyze the foundational elements of effective healthcare compliance. It explores how organizations can build and maintain robust compliance programs, the role and impact of Corporate Integrity Agreements (CIAs) imposed by enforcement agencies, and the responsibilities of Independent Review Organizations (IROs) in monitoring compliance. Additionally, the session highlights how board-level compliance experts contribute to oversight and governance, ensuring that healthcare entities meet regulatory expectations and mitigate fraud risks.

With his co-panelists, Brian F. McEvoy with BakerHostetler LLP and Brian Rafferty with Rafferty Law Firm, Austin will present, "Handling a Criminal Healthcare Fraud Case.” The session will provide a practical, in-depth look at defending criminal healthcare fraud allegations. It will cover the full lifecycle of a case, from pre-indictment strategy to trial execution. The panelists are experienced defense attorneys and former prosecutors who will discuss how to effectively engage with government agencies, when to involve medical experts, and how to challenge evidence. Key topics will include managing subpoenas and search warrants, navigating parallel proceedings, and understanding the motivations behind prosecutions. The session is designed to equip legal professionals with tactical insights for successfully defending complex healthcare fraud cases. Ralph J. Caccia with Wiley Rein LLP will serve as a moderator on this panel.

Austin joined Nelson Mullins in 2020 after prosecuting complex white-collar crimes for seven years as an Assistant United States Attorney (“AUSA”) with the United States Attorney’s Office and three years as a state prosecutor with the First Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Matt quickly established himself in the private sector, building a diverse practice representing clients in some of the most high-profile matters in the nation.

Imperato serves as the managing partner for the Fort Lauderdale office and leads an attorney team that focuses their practice on healthcare enforcement, compliance, and litigation matters. His personal practice involves representing individuals and organizations accused of healthcare fraud, and assisting and advising healthcare organizations on corporate governance and compliance matters.

Willis is an established litigator with extensive experience in the courtroom and overseeing trial teams. She has carved out a particular area of interest in the healthcare industry, advising and counseling through internal and government investigations, complex litigation and compliance issues.

This Health Care Fraud Institute will focus on healthcare fraud enforcement and feature expert-led panels on topics such as False Claims Act litigation, Medicaid fraud, managed care investigations, and ethical considerations, with insights from government officials, attorneys, and compliance professionals. Set at the premier Jekyll Island Club Resort, this program provides an engaging experience with valuable networking and educational opportunities.