Deal activity may be picking up, but expectations for 2026 are best described as cautious and practical. In this episode of "Counsel That Cares," Holland & Knight Healthcare Transactions attorney John Saran and Bailey & Company Director of Market Development Rebecca Springer recap the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, sharing what they heard from sponsors, bankers and operators about the year ahead. They discuss the shift from "big rebound" predictions to a steady rebuild, what buyers are prioritizing in diligence and deal structuring, and where momentum is returning, including add-ons and creative investment formats. The conversation also highlights sectors drawing attention, from employer health and pharma services to applied behavioral analysis (ABA) platforms, healthcare IT's evolving AI lens, and emerging consumer health and longevity theses. Mr. Saran also breaks down the fast-changing regulatory environment surrounding private equity and corporate practice of medicine, including state transaction reporting laws, that are increasingly shaping how healthcare deals go to market.

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In this episode of "Counsel That Cares," Public Policy & Regulation attorney John Vaughan, Healthcare attorney Dan Silverboard and Public Affairs Advisor Sarah Starling Crossan discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) regulation in the healthcare industry. They explore the complex interplay between federal initiatives, such as executive orders and agency rules, and the surge of state-level legislation shaping AI use in clinical practice, insurance and patient care. The conversation highlights key compliance challenges, including the need for AI governance programs, bias audits, data quality assurance and transparency with patients. Listeners will gain valuable insights into navigating disparate regulations across jurisdictions and the importance of staying informed to responsibly implement AI technologies in the healthcare sector.

In this episode of "Counsel That Cares," Arjan Peters from Capstone moderates a conversation with his colleague Grace Totman, Holland & Knight healthcare attorney John Saran and Association for Responsible Healthcare Investment CEO Regan Parker about the evolving landscape of private equity investments in healthcare. They explore recent federal and state regulatory developments, including transaction reporting laws, antitrust scrutiny by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and notable battleground states pushing new legislation. The episode also highlights the impact of public perception shaped by high-profile healthcare closures, importance of transparent investment narratives and strategic approaches for investors to proactively engage with regulators and policymakers. Speakers emphasize that despite regulatory challenges, private equity plays a crucial role in sustaining and innovating the healthcare industry, encouraging stakeholders to document positive outcomes and advocate for balanced, informed policies that enable continued investment and growth.