(6/09/11) – McLeod Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Sonya Diaz as In-House Legal Counsel.

In this position, Diaz is responsible for the operational aspects of McLeod’s Legal Office. Her duties include interpreting and clarifying federal, state, and local laws; writing opinion letters; and participating in related compliance, training, and support activities. In addition, Diaz drafts, negotiates and reviews legal documents for accuracy, fairness, and completeness; makes recommendations concerning the disposition of these documents and contracts in order to protect the McLeod system and provides guidance and support as related to the interaction between the operational aspects of healthcare and the law.

Diaz chose McLeod Health and the community of Florence because, "it was the right fit, offering a vision of quality, opportunity, integrity and the highest standards," she explained. "I was also impressed with the heart and soul and dedication of those individuals I had the good fortune to meet during the selection process."

Diaz added that she is involved in streamlining and creating processes in the development and enhancement of the legal role for McLeod Health System. She is also working closely with Procurement Services in the areas of distribution and vendor contracts explaining, "I want to equip them with tools to be more effective negotiators."

Diaz most recently served as Senior Legal Counsel and HIPAA Corporate Compliance Officer for Shriners Hospitals for Children in Tampa, Florida. In these roles, she was legal advisor to the organization’s international headquarters, executive management, corporate board members, and facility leadership in all aspects of hospital operations, affiliation relationships, business partnerships, medical staff contracting, and employment law. While in Tampa, Diaz was also a volunteer at St. Michael’s Legal Clinic, where she provided charitable legal assistance to low income families.

Prior to joining Shriners, Sonya served as Legal Counsel for Laboratory of America in Burlington, North Carolina, as well Tenet Health System’s Florida Regional Division.

Diaz earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Miami, a Masters of Social Work from Barry University, and a Bachelor of Arts (Cum Laude) in Criminal Justice from the University of Miami. She is also a Certified Case Manager (CCM) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and worked in direct patient care as both a hospital social worker and medical case manager for multiple years prior to transitioning to her role as a legal advocate.

One of five children, Diaz indicated that she is surrounded by family members who are all involved in some aspect of health care or medical service.

Diaz and her husband reside in Florence with their two dogs. She is looking forward to exploring and getting to know Florence and the region as well as being able to positive contributions to McLeod Health both now and into the future.