Healthcare private equity enters 2026 seeking more creativity in deal structures and a sharper focus on operational value creation, while remaining mindful of a regulatory environment that continues to shape how transactions are executed. In this episode, Holland & Knight Healthcare attorneys David Marks and John Arnold and Clairvest Group Vice President Rahil Manji discuss what's driving investment decisions in healthcare services and why minority and structured investments are gaining momentum. They break down liquidity pressure, evolving governance expectations and how sponsors are shifting from multiple arbitrage and cheap leverage toward integration, disciplined operations with technology-enabled efficiency. Rahil explains Clairvest's entrepreneur-partnership approach, including how minority deals can support growth capital, founder liquidity and long-term alignment. The group also covers key legal and regulatory considerations for founders going to market, such as state healthcare transaction reporting laws, compliance credibility and antitrust readiness, with a forward-looking view of where deal volume and valuation may head in 2026.

Wound care is rapidly becoming one of healthcare's most closely watched – and most consequential – growth sectors, and this episode of "Counsel That Cares" gets to the heart of why. Holland & Knight Healthcare attorney Juliet McBride and HealBridge CEO Jon Belsher to unpack the forces reshaping wound care across the continuum, especially in post-acute and skilled nursing settings where patients are often the sickest and least visible. Together, they explore what's driving investment (technology, home-based care models and tighter continuity of care), why innovation must stay tethered to evidence-based indications and outcomes, and how the boom in advanced products has triggered intense audit activity, clawbacks and regulatory scrutiny. The conversation also examines the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) shifting reimbursement approach and the risks associated with business models built on fragile payment assumptions, while emphasizing a compliance mindset centered on patient-first care backed by strong documentation and measurable results.

Deal activity may be picking up, but expectations for 2026 are best described as cautious and practical. In this episode of "Counsel That Cares," Holland & Knight Healthcare Transactions attorney John Saran and Bailey & Company Director of Market Development Rebecca Springer recap the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, sharing what they heard from sponsors, bankers and operators about the year ahead. They discuss the shift from "big rebound" predictions to a steady rebuild, what buyers are prioritizing in diligence and deal structuring, and where momentum is returning, including add-ons and creative investment formats. The conversation also highlights sectors drawing attention, from employer health and pharma services to applied behavioral analysis (ABA) platforms, healthcare IT's evolving AI lens, and emerging consumer health and longevity theses. Mr. Saran also breaks down the fast-changing regulatory environment surrounding private equity and corporate practice of medicine, including state transaction reporting laws, that are increasingly shaping how healthcare deals go to market.

This podcast was recorded and is for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that Bailey & Co. makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured. The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of Bailey & Co. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent investment advice from a licensed professional in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.

In this episode of "Counsel That Cares," Public Policy & Regulation attorney John Vaughan, Healthcare attorney Dan Silverboard and Public Affairs Advisor Sarah Starling Crossan discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) regulation in the healthcare industry. They explore the complex interplay between federal initiatives, such as executive orders and agency rules, and the surge of state-level legislation shaping AI use in clinical practice, insurance and patient care. The conversation highlights key compliance challenges, including the need for AI governance programs, bias audits, data quality assurance and transparency with patients. Listeners will gain valuable insights into navigating disparate regulations across jurisdictions and the importance of staying informed to responsibly implement AI technologies in the healthcare sector.

In this episode of "Counsel That Cares," Arjan Peters from Capstone moderates a conversation with his colleague Grace Totman, Holland & Knight healthcare attorney John Saran and Association for Responsible Healthcare Investment CEO Regan Parker about the evolving landscape of private equity investments in healthcare. They explore recent federal and state regulatory developments, including transaction reporting laws, antitrust scrutiny by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and notable battleground states pushing new legislation. The episode also highlights the impact of public perception shaped by high-profile healthcare closures, importance of transparent investment narratives and strategic approaches for investors to proactively engage with regulators and policymakers. Speakers emphasize that despite regulatory challenges, private equity plays a crucial role in sustaining and innovating the healthcare industry, encouraging stakeholders to document positive outcomes and advocate for balanced, informed policies that enable continued investment and growth.

In this episode of "Counsel That Cares," Daniel Patten, a partner in Holland & Knight's Healthcare Regulatory & Enforcement Practice, and Spencer Freeman, chief strategy officer at Gentiva, discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with delivering integrated palliative care services, highlighting the lack of a defined Medicare benefit for palliative care compared to more established models such as hospice. Mr. Freeman shares insights on building care models that serve high-risk patient populations through coordinated interdisciplinary teams and data-driven approaches, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with risk-based primary care providers. Mr. Patten adds a legal perspective on the evolving landscape of value-based care contracts, artificial intelligence (AI) integration and regulatory compliance. Together, they explore how innovative programs can improve patient outcomes, reduce acute care utilization and facilitate payer relationships, offering a comprehensive view of the future of palliative care within value-based healthcare delivery.

In this episode of "Counsel That Cares," Healthcare Transactions attorney Morgan Ivey and Skytale Group President and Head of Consulting Annie Robertson Hockey discuss the rapidly expanding medical spa (med spa) and aesthetics industry. The episode highlights the significant growth of the med spa market, estimated at $16.5 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $45 billion in 2025, driven by increasing consumer demand for non-invasive procedures such as injectables. Ms. Ivey and Ms. Robertson Hockey share insights into the factors contributing to this growth, including changing demographics, the attractiveness of the cash-pay model and advancements in technology. Additionally, they discuss the importance of regulatory considerations and the potential for consolidation in this fragmented market, while emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt their strategies in the face of evolving consumer behaviors and operational challenges.

In this episode of "Counsel That Cares," Healthcare Transactions attorneys David Marks and Eric Scalzo, along with Chartis Strategic Transformation partners Sri Mani and Eric Mayeda, discuss the increasing scrutiny of investor-owned healthcare entities. They note state legislatures and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alike have expressed increasing concerns over consolidation's potential negative impacts. Mr. Mani and Mr. Mayeda share insights into how new regulations and rising public skepticism are shaping the healthcare investment environment, emphasizing the need for private equity firms to articulate their value proposition and focus on sustainable, long-term opportunities for growth.

The discussion also seeks to counter some of the negative publicity by highlighting the critical role of private equity in addressing healthcare industry challenges, such as access to care in underserved areas. The speakers argue that a nuanced approach to private capital that recognizes its potential to drive innovation is essential, along with a data-driven narrative that can effectively respond to negative perceptions. As they look toward 2025, the group expresses optimism about the future, suggesting that investment in healthcare is poised to increase, fueled by a commitment to improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.