Our Areas of Expertise

Defending licensees before their state licensing agency or licensing commission constitutes the original bedrock of the firm’s practice. Members of the Firm have been involved from the beginnings of administrative law as a recognized specialty practice area by the Texas Bar and have participated in the evolution of the Texas laws governing agency practice. Read more…

Physicians and other licensed health care professionals seeking licensure in the state of Texas may have issues requiring legal assistance.  Some common issues include: a criminal history, prior disciplinary action in another state or in a residency program, substance abuse, peer review or malpractice. Read more…

In most matters involving a license denial or proposed disciplinary action by an agency, an appeal of the matter rests with State Office of Administrative Hearings (“SOAH”). The matter may be “litigated” with a formal discovery and hearing process (discussed below), however, many matters may resolve with mediation, which is usually conducted at SOAH. Read more…

As all providers know, there is a huge focus on the financial cost of the healthcare reforms and the financial viability of existing Medicare and Medicaid programs. The State of Texas Office of the Inspector General (Medicaid) and the federal government (CMS and Office of Inspector General or “OIG”) have promised vigorous action against fraud and abuse in these programs. Read more…

The need for self-regulation has been promoted among health care professionals for decades. Various efforts have been undertaken with inconsistent results. Currently, several venues exist for peer review among providers, and these primarily involve physicians on numerous fronts and nurses within healthcare facilities. Read more…

Health care regulation many times involves more than the licensing agency issuing a license or permit to a health care professional. Often, federal or state statutes or regulations mandate certain requirements as to controlled substances, billing, medical records, privacy protections, standard of care issues and a plethora of “collateral matters” that touch upon a license holder’s legal and professional obligations. Read more…

Michael Sharp was the first Director of the State Program on Drug Abuse under Governor Dolph Briscoe in 1973. From his task of obtaining federal funds for drug treatment, to identifying effective treatments for the exploding Viet Nam Era drug problem, he and members of the Firm have been actively engaged in advising clients as to drug and alcohol issues. Read more…

Though much has been said and will continue to be said about the Affordable Care Act, the impact of Medicare revenues (or the lack thereof for those opting out) will be an important economic issue to all practitioners. Read more…

Meet Our Attorneys

Antonio Cobos

Partner

Courtney Newton

Partner

Christopher Sharp

Partner

About us

 

Sharp & Cobos, L.L.P. is a boutique law firm dedicated exclusively to health care and administrative law, representing health care providers across Texas.

The firm was founded in 1999 by Michael R. Sharp and Antonio “Tony” Cobos. Michael Sharp practiced health care and administrative law in Austin, Texas, from 1973 until his passing. During his distinguished career, he also served as the head of a state health agency and as General Counsel for another. Tony Cobos brought to the firm his extensive experience and knowledge gained as former General Counsel and Senior Staff Attorney for the Texas Medical Board.

In 2001, Courtney Newton joined the firm following her service as an Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Attorney General of Texas, where she acted as legal counsel to the Board of Nursing. She later served as Assistant General Counsel to the Texas Medical Board.

Christopher Sharp has practiced health law alongside Michael Sharp since 1988. With over two decades of experience in administrative and health law, he also brings expertise in evaluating and structuring health care professional organizations.

Together, the attorneys of Sharp & Cobos offer more than 100 years of combined experience. Their practice includes extensive involvement in settlement conferences, peer reviews, and hearings before the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

Throughout our history, we have consistently earned high ratings from our peers in the legal community. We believe exceptional legal service is built on a foundation of deep experience, ethical standards, attentive client care, and a passion for the field. Our attorneys are known for delivering practical, creative, and effective solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

We take pride in our reputation for high-quality, results-driven licensee representation—recognized as among the best in Texas—and we remain committed to upholding that standard of excellence.

We invite you to explore our website, learn more about our team, and contact us with your legal needs.

 

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