Terms of Engagement

Strictly Confidential engagements. These Standard Terms of Engagement govern all consulting work with Claudia M. Rausch, Healthcare Policy & Regulatory Consultant, unless modified by a separate written agreement signed by both parties.

Nature of Services

Regulatory, policy, and operational consulting in NPDB policy, medical staff governance, credentialing and privileging, healthcare accreditation, and regulatory review of medical opinions and clinical decisions. My guidance can be used alongside qualified legal strategy, and is not intended to replace it. This engagement does not include medical opinions, standard of care determinations, or clinical assessments.

Engagement Types

• Hourly Consultation — Billed hourly at the applicable rate, in 15-minute increments. Payment for an initial session is due at time of booking and is non-refundable, but is applicable toward a larger engagement if booked within 7 days.
• Flat Fee / Project-Based — Defined scope and fee confirmed in writing before work begins.
• Monthly Retainer — A defined number of advisory hours and priority access each month. Best suited to healthcare systems, hospitals, physician practices, and other institutional clients with ongoing advisory needs.
• Deposit-Based Retainer — A retainer deposit funds a project or matter; time is billed hourly against it, with any unused balance refunded at completion. Best suited to individual practitioners with a discrete matter or dispute.
• Written Regulatory Analysis — Flat-fee engagement producing a formal written document.

Fees & Payment

Rates in effect at time of engagement; 30 days' written notice for changes to ongoing engagements. Payment, deposit, or retainer balance is required in full before work begins or continues on any engagement — services are paused immediately if a balance is outstanding, with no obligation to resume work in the interim. Invoices left unpaid beyond the applicable payment term may also accrue interest at 1.5%/month.

Refund Policy

Deposits for Project / Flat Fee and Written Regulatory Analysis engagements are non-refundable once work has begun. Monthly Retainer fees are non-refundable for the current billing month upon termination. Deposit-Based Retainer balances are the exception: any unused portion of a deposit is refunded to the client, or applied toward a subsequent phase at the client's election, at the conclusion of an engagement or phase. If the engagement is terminated before completion, any unused balance is refunded to the client.

Confidentiality

All information shared is strictly confidential. Your identity, the nature of any engagement, and anything shared during it stays private — no disclosure to any third party without your written consent, except as required by law. You may reach out using a first name only; no institutional affiliation is required, and there is no institutional footprint.

No Guarantee of Outcomes

Regulatory consulting applies expertise and judgment to specific facts. No representation, warranty, or guarantee is made regarding the outcome of any matter, proceeding, dispute, or legal action.

Limitation of Liability

Total liability is limited to fees paid for the specific engagement giving rise to a claim. No liability for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

Governing Law

Governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Disputes not resolved informally go to binding arbitration administered by JAMS in Philadelphia, PA.

The full Standard Terms of Engagement, including scope, termination, and amendment provisions, are provided in writing with every Scope of Work.