From Stigma to Medicine -Medical Cannabis Law and Healthcare Considerations

Richard Y. Cheng, Esq., CHC Related Seminars and Products

Managing Member

Ritter Spencer Cheng PLLC

Richard Y. Cheng, a distinguished member at Ritter Spencer Cheng PLLC, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in corporate transactions, regulatory, compliance matters, and administrative appeals. His profound knowledge of healthcare and corporate M&A law has led him to represent a diverse range of investment platforms (e.g. private equity, family offices, venture capital funds) and healthcare providers ranging from post-acute care providers (e.g. skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, hospices, and home health agencies), hospitals, physician groups, ancillary providers, behavioral health facilities, management service organizations, dental services organizations, NPHOs and veterinarians. Richard’s adeptness in navigating various healthcare regulations has solidified his reputation as a trusted legal advisor in healthcare law.

At Ritter Spencer Cheng PLLC, Richard leads the healthcare and corporate M&A practice, offering representation to a broad range of investors, healthcare organizations and providers. His extensive background includes dealing with the Stark Law, the Anti-Kickback Statute, the False Claims Act, HIPAA, EKRA, CMP assessments, corporate practice of medicine and dentistry laws, and state related regulations. Prior to forming Ritter Spencer Cheng, PLLC, Richard was an equity partner at an Am Law 100 global law firm where he was a member of the corporate practice group, healthcare section and chaired the firm’s hemp / regulated products practice group.

In addition to his traditional healthcare practice, Richard developed a cannabis regulatory and corporate practice starting in late 2013. As a leading cannabis attorney, Richard served as outside general counsel to the Texas Cannabis Industry Association, co-authored a FDA primer in preparation for the 2019 FDA public hearing on CBD products and has been named a top 250 cannabis legal expert by DataBird Research Journal. He represents a broad base of cannabis related clients, including, private equity groups investing in the cannabis industry, physicians, medical marijuana dispensaries, seed developers, cultivators, processors, wholesalers, retailers, distribution centers and ancillary providers (e.g. testing labs, biomass brokerage firms, etc.) and marketers. Richard created and taught the cannabis law course at the University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law where he served as an adjunct faculty from 2020-2022.

Aleah M. Schutze Related Seminars and Products

Of Counsel

Steptoe & Johnson PLLC

Aleah Schutze knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue a career in health care and obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Health in addition to her Juris Doctorate degree. After practicing for several years in California, Aleah continued to build her health care acumen as the Associate General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel for Res-Care, Inc. (now BrightSpring Health Services), the largest diversified health and human services provider in the U.S. Res-Care, Inc. provides services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and also provides behavioral health, home health and hospice, and rehabilitation services across the country to over 55,000 individuals.  In that role, she gained experience working with state Medicaid agencies nationwide.  As a result, Aleah developed a more in-depth understanding of the issues health care entities face from a business, as well as a legal standpoint.

When Aleah joined Steptoe and Johnson, she began focusing more of her practice on the cannabis industry, with a particular focus on helping health care providers navigate the conflicting state and federal laws.  Clients appreciate Aleah’s practical, business-like approach as she works with them to evaluate risks, advises them on regulatory requirements, and recommends courses of action.