Viv Hunter Turner advises employer-sponsored welfare plans on employee benefit compliance issues under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), ERISA, and COBRA. Additionally, she counsels clients on implementing wellness program that comply with applicable regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, and the HIPAA wellness rules. Higher education institutions and affiliated organizations turn to Viv for a range of issues such as plan governance structure, contracts, wellness initiatives and providing benefits to both union and non-union populations. Other industries served include Fortune 50 mass media and retail, Fortune 100 entertainment and transportation, health insurance issuers, and the industrial engineering industry. Viv’s background includes a wealth of experience in HIPAA Privacy and Security regulations. Prior to joining Groom, Viv served as assistant general counsel and privacy officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont. Based on her extensive HIPAA privacy and security background, she facilitates HIPAA Privacy training and counsels clients in connection with self-audits under the HIPAA Privacy Rules. Viv also advises clients on how to respond to data breaches under HIPAA’s regulations and applicable state laws. Viv routinely negotiates service provider and pharmacy benefit management agreements and negotiates employer group waiver plan (or “EGWP”) pharmacy benefit management agreements. Viv’s expertise extends to Medicare Part D, on which she assists clients with regard to ERISA’s fiduciary obligations in relation to pharmacy rebates. Viv also advises and assists employer plan sponsors and issuers in responding to Department of Labor investigations. Viv serves as Co-Chair of Groom’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. In this role, she leads the firm’s internal and external diversity and inclusion initiatives, building internal programs, developing partnerships and community outreach aimed at supporting and promoting those who are traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession. Previous Experience Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, Assistant General Counsel (2009-2011) Professional Affiliations American Health Lawyer Association Women’s Bar Association Honors & Distinctions Rising Star, Super Lawyers, Employee Benefits and Health Care (2016-2018)
News Leadership Steeped In Love: An Interview With Groom Principal Viv Hunter Turner NewsMarch 10, 2022
Past Events Groom Webinar: Investigations & Enforcement – Processes, Procedures, Policies & Proper Practices (October 26, 2021) Groom WebinarOctober 26, 2021
Past Events Groom Webinar: Overview of Health SPD Compliance-Driven Updates for Plan Year 2022 (October 21, 2021) Groom WebinarOctober 21, 2021
Past Events Groom Webinar: MHPAEA Compliance in Response to the CAA (July 21, 2021) Groom WebinarJuly 21, 2021
Publications Mental Health Parity Remains a Priority for Tri-Agency: MHPAEA Compliance in Response to the CAA Groom PublicationJuly 13, 2021
Publications DOL Issues Cybersecurity Guidance for Plan Sponsors, Plan Fiduciaries, Recordkeepers, and Plan Participants Groom PublicationApril 16, 2021
Past Events Groom Webinar: New Transparency and Disclosure Provisions in the Year-End Spending Bill Create Additional Requirements (and Cause Confusion) (March 3, 2021) Groom WebinarMarch 3, 2021
Publications End-of-Year Omnibus Bill Adds Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act Disclosure Requirements Groom PublicationFebruary 10, 2021
Past Events Coronavirus: Key Issues Impacting Employers, Health Plans and Retirement Plans (March 10, 2020) COVID-19 ResourceMarch 10, 2020