MLS in Health Law: Career Opportunities in a Growing Sector

The healthcare system is one of the most tightly regulated sectors in the country, shaped by layers of federal laws, state requirements and industry standards. That level of oversight can make daily operations complex, but it also fuels a rising need for professionals who understand the legal and regulatory landscape. Organizations increasingly rely on people with this expertise to help them navigate compliance demands and reduce risk.

This blog post will explore various health law careers that you can pursue with a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in Health Law.

Why the Healthcare Sector Needs Legal Expertise

Companies across the healthcare sector are facing heightened scrutiny in billing, data privacy and patient care. Administrative teams must now meet demanding documentation standards under laws like the No Surprises Act¹ and the False Claims Act,² with even small errors carrying significant consequences. Healthcare records remain a prime target for cybercriminals, and regulators continue to strengthen requirements around encryption, reporting and incident response. All of this shapes daily operations across the industry. As regulatory expectations expand, organizations increasingly need professionals who understand health law and can build strong compliance systems, maintain accurate documentation and reduce the risk of audits, penalties and litigation.

Data privacy is a serious concern in every industry, but especially in healthcare, with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandating that healthcare providers, insurers and related vendors protect patients’ electronic health records. Healthcare records are a common target of cybercriminals. For example, in 2024, the Change Healthcare data breach exposed the personal information of millions of patients and is expected to cost almost $2.5 billion. As a result, regulators are tightening requirements around data protection measures such as encryption and reporting.³

Additionally, healthcare providers have to comply with patient care oversight guidelines. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) establishes safety standards that providers and organizations must follow regarding processes related to providing high-quality care for patients.⁴

These regulations affect the daily operations of healthcare providers and organizations. There is an increasing need for professionals in healthcare compliance jobs who have a deep understanding of health law to ensure healthcare businesses are following all applicable regulations and maintaining proper documentation. These professionals help mitigate the increased risks of audits and lawsuits.

Careers You Can Pursue With an MLS in Health Law 

An MLS in Health Law will prepare you for a variety of high-level careers in healthcare organizations.

Healthcare Compliance Officer

A healthcare compliance officer ensures that their organization strictly follows all applicable policies and regulations. They do this by developing and implementing compliance programs to mitigate risks. The primary job duties of a healthcare compliance officer include creating detailed compliance procedures for staff to follow and monitoring how well their company adheres to those procedures. Tracking compliance allows them to identify areas of potential risk and take steps to avoid it.⁵

Risk Management Director

A risk management director evaluates all potential risks of a project or program and determines how to minimize them to protect the company. They consider the legal and reputational issues as well as whether any activities could lead to insurance claims.⁶

Insurance Claims and Policy Analyst

These professionals evaluate insurance policies to assess the risks for the issuing company and the policyholder. Analysts can meet with clients to help them determine the best policy for their needs, or they can conduct investigations for insurance companies to evaluate claims for legitimacy.⁷

Legal Consultant for Hospital Systems

As experts in health law, legal consultants for hospital systems provide guidance on legal issues the hospital may face. They help evaluate medical malpractice claims or other related legal concerns. Additionally, legal consultants can work with attorneys and other hospital stakeholders to develop effective strategies for lawsuits and other legal cases.⁸

Public Health Program Advisor

Public health program advisors work with government, nonprofit and private entities to improve the outcomes and maximize the impact of their public health programs. With the help of a public health program advisor, these organizations can ensure they’re using their funds where they’ll do the most good.⁹

Who Benefits From This Degree?

Working professionals in many different roles can benefit from an MLS in health law.

Healthcare Administrators and Managers

Administrators face tremendous regulatory and compliance pressure. An MLS in Health Law can help them understand the legal framework around hospital operations and minimize risks related to patient care, billing and contracts. They will also be able to communicate more effectively with regulatory agencies and in-house lawyers.

Public Health Professionals Seeking Legal Credentials

Public health professionals often run into questions of legal ethics, particularly in areas such as vaccine mandates and infectious disease control. This degree can help public health professionals do their jobs more effectively, influence policy and regulations and navigate public health issues with expertise.

Nurses and Clinicians Moving Into Leadership or Policy Roles

Nurses are on the front lines of healthcare. Their hands-on experience makes them ideal candidates for leadership and policy roles in healthcare law. An MLS in Health Law complements their clinical experience to provide them with a broad base of knowledge for leadership positions.

Insurance Professionals Navigating Claims and Compliance

Health insurance professionals deal with different regulatory frameworks, including fraud detection and legal audits. They also navigate claims dispute resolution and appeals processes. With an MLS degree, they will be able to interpret and apply these laws to reduce risk and improve compliance.

Use Your Legal Healthcare Skills to Add Value to Your Organization

An online MLS in Health Law from William & Mary can help you prepare for specialized roles in healthcare and compliance. You’ll learn from leading experts in the field, and our rigorous curriculum will equip you with the skills you need to analyze critical issues in healthcare administration. You don’t have to quit your job or relocate to earn an advanced degree. You can study on your time from the convenience of your own home. Contact one of our admissions outreach advisors today to learn more.