Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Carl Bergetz on Legal Strategy, Policy, and Patient-Centered Growth at Rush
Feb 16, 2026
Carl Bergetz, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Rush University System for Health, steers legal, compliance and government affairs across an integrated health system and university. He discusses rebuilding an interdisciplinary legal and government affairs team, communicating rapid policy changes systemwide, preparing for ICE interactions, financial headwinds like Medicaid and Medicare cuts, and cautious expansion of community care and AI.
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Integrated Academic-Clinical Model
- Rush combines its hospital system and graduate university under one corporate roof, allowing integrated clinical, research, and education efforts.
- Carl Bergetz says this integration is rare and strengthens mission-driven community care.
Reactivating The LGA Work Group
- Carl reestablished an interdisciplinary Legal and Government Affairs (LGA) group to interpret rapid policy shifts post-pandemic.
- The group pulls comms, clinical, finance, and others to operationalize changing rules and executive actions.
Train And Debrief For Law Enforcement Events
- Train frontline staff on specific policies and protocols for unfamiliar law enforcement interactions like ICE visits.
- Debrief after incidents to capture lessons and refine processes to protect patients and de-escalate situations.