1. Introduction and Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Sullivan Management and Consulting Group ("SMCG," "we," "us," or "our"). These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our website located at sullivanmcg.com (the "Website"), including all content, functionality, and services offered on or through the Website.

By accessing or using our Website, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use our Website.

Important Distinctions:

• Website Terms vs. Client Agreements: These Terms govern only your use of our Website for informational purposes and general inquiries. They do not govern consulting engagements, professional services, or business relationships with SMCG. Actual consulting services are provided pursuant to separate written agreements between SMCG and clients.
• No Professional Services Through Website: This Website is for informational and marketing purposes only. No consulting services, professional advice, or healthcare guidance is provided through this Website. Professional services are delivered only pursuant to executed service agreements.
• HIPAA Business Associate Relationships: Any Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) required under HIPAA for consulting engagements are separate legal agreements and are not covered by these Website Terms of Service.

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the Website with a new "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the Website after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the modified Terms.

2. Description of Website Services

SMCG is a healthcare business management and consulting firm specializing in credentialing, revenue cycle management, and healthcare operations consulting for hospitals, physician practices, and healthcare organizations.

Our Website provides:

• Information about our consulting services and capabilities
• Healthcare industry insights, articles, and thought leadership content
• Contact forms for service inquiries and consultations
• Newsletter subscription for industry updates and company news
• Career opportunities and candidate application functionality
• General information about our company, team, and approach

The Website does not provide:

• Direct consulting services or professional advice
• Healthcare recommendations or medical guidance
• Specific solutions to operational or compliance issues
• Services that constitute a client-consultant relationship without a separate written agreement

Information on this Website is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional advice. For specific consulting services, a formal engagement agreement is required.

3. Eligibility and User Accounts

3.1 Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years of age to use this Website. By using this Website, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms.

3.2 Business Use

This Website is designed for business and professional use. By using this Website in a professional capacity, you represent that you are authorized to bind the organization you represent to these Terms.

3.3 Account Security

If you create an account or profile on our Website (such as for newsletter subscriptions or career applications), you are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
• All activities that occur under your account
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
• Ensuring the accuracy of information you provide

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or engage in fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activity.

4. Acceptable Use and Prohibited Conduct

4.1 Permitted Uses

You may use our Website to:

• Learn about SMCG's services and capabilities
• Submit legitimate inquiries about our consulting services
• Subscribe to newsletters and communications
• Apply for career opportunities with SMCG or our clients
• Access publicly available content, articles, and resources

4.2 Prohibited Uses

You agree not to:

• Violate Laws: Use the Website in any manner that violates applicable federal, state, local, or international laws or regulations
• Infringe Rights: Violate or infringe the intellectual property rights, privacy rights, or other rights of SMCG or third parties
• Transmit Harmful Content: Upload, post, or transmit viruses, malware, or other malicious code
• Unauthorized Access: Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion of the Website, other accounts, computer systems, or networks
• Scraping and Harvesting: Use automated systems (robots, scrapers, data mining tools) to access or collect data from the Website without our express written permission
• Interference: Interfere with or disrupt the Website, servers, or networks connected to the Website
• Impersonation: Impersonate SMCG, our employees, or any other person or entity
• False Information: Provide false, misleading, or fraudulent information in forms or communications
• Spam and Unsolicited Communications: Send spam, chain letters, or other unsolicited communications through the Website
• Competitive Intelligence: Use the Website to monitor or copy content for competitive purposes or to build a similar service
• Reverse Engineering: Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble any aspect of the Website
• Commercial Exploitation: Use the Website for any commercial purpose not expressly permitted by these Terms

4.3 HIPAA and Confidential Information

DO NOT submit Protected Health Information (PHI), patient data, or confidential business information through this Website. Our Website contact forms, emails, and communications are not secure channels for transmitting PHI or confidential data. Such information should only be transmitted through secure channels established under formal consulting agreements and Business Associate Agreements.

5. Intellectual Property Rights

5.1 SMCG Ownership

The Website and its entire contents, features, and functionality (including but not limited to all information, software, text, displays, images, video, audio, design, selection, arrangement, and the "look and feel" of the Website) are owned by SMCG, its licensors, or other providers of such material and are protected by United States and international copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, and other intellectual property or proprietary rights laws.

The following are trademarks or service marks of Sullivan Management and Consulting Group:

• Sullivan Management and Consulting Group
• SMCG
• SMCG logo and branding elements

All other trademarks, service marks, and logos used on this Website are the trademarks, service marks, or logos of their respective owners.

5.2 Limited License to Users

Subject to your compliance with these Terms, SMCG grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, revocable license to access and use the Website for your personal or internal business use only. This license does not include:

• Any right to copy, modify, distribute, sell, or lease any part of the Website
• Any right to reverse engineer or attempt to extract the source code of the Website
• Any right to use the content for commercial purposes without our written permission
• Any right to reproduce SMCG methodologies, frameworks, or proprietary approaches

5.3 Permitted Uses of Content

You may:

• View and print content from the Website for your personal, non-commercial use
• Share links to Website pages through social media or email
• Quote brief excerpts from our content with proper attribution and link to the original source

You may not:

• Republish, redistribute, or reproduce substantial portions of Website content
• Use content in any way that suggests an endorsement or affiliation with SMCG without permission
• Remove or alter any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices

5.4 Proprietary Methodologies

SMCG's consulting methodologies, frameworks, processes, templates, tools, and approaches described on this Website are proprietary to SMCG. Descriptions provided on the Website are for informational purposes only and do not grant any license to use, copy, or implement these methodologies.

5.5 DMCA Copyright Infringement Notice

If you believe that content on our Website infringes your copyright, please provide our Designated Copyright Agent with the following information:

• A physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner or authorized representative
• Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed
• Identification of the material claimed to be infringing and its location on the Website
• Your contact information (address, telephone number, email address)
• A statement that you have a good faith belief that the disputed use is not authorized
• A statement that the information in the notice is accurate and, under penalty of perjury, that you are authorized to act on behalf of the copyright owner

Designated Copyright Agent:
Sullivan Management and Consulting Group
Attn: Legal Department - Copyright Agent
27966 Parkside Creek Drive
Spring, TX 77386
Email: legal@sullivanmcg.com

6. User-Generated Content and Submissions

6.1 Types of User Content

Certain areas of our Website may allow you to submit content, including:

• Inquiry forms and contact submissions
• Newsletter subscription information
• Career applications, resumes, and professional information
• Comments, feedback, or testimonials (if applicable)
• Survey responses

6.2 License Grant for User Submissions

By submitting content to our Website, you grant SMCG a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, and fully sublicensable right to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, and display such content for the purposes of:

• Responding to your inquiries and providing requested information
• Evaluating your qualifications for career opportunities
• Improving our services and Website functionality
• Marketing and promotional purposes (with your consent for testimonials)
• Aggregated, anonymized analysis and research

6.3 Representations and Warranties

By submitting content, you represent and warrant that:

• You own or have the necessary rights to submit the content
• The content does not violate any third-party rights (including intellectual property, privacy, or publicity rights)
• The content is accurate and not misleading
• The content does not contain Protected Health Information (PHI) or other confidential information inappropriate for transmission via the Website
• The content complies with these Terms and applicable laws

6.4 Content Monitoring and Removal

SMCG has no obligation to monitor user-submitted content but reserves the right to:

• Review, monitor, and remove any content at our sole discretion
• Refuse to post or remove content that violates these Terms
• Terminate accounts that repeatedly violate these Terms
• Disclose content when required by law or to protect our rights

6.5 No Confidentiality for Unsolicited Submissions

Except for personal information covered by our Privacy Policy or information submitted under a separate confidentiality agreement, any content you submit through the Website (including ideas, suggestions, or feedback) will be treated as non-confidential and non-proprietary. We are free to use such submissions without compensation or attribution to you.

If you wish to submit confidential information or proprietary business ideas, please contact us to establish a separate confidentiality agreement before disclosure.

7. Third-Party Links and Services

7.1 Third-Party Websites

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources that are not owned or controlled by SMCG, including:

• Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)
• Industry associations and healthcare organizations
• News articles and publications
• Partner or vendor websites
• Educational resources and references

SMCG has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites or services. We do not endorse or make any representations about third-party websites.

7.2 Third-Party Services and Integrations

Our Website uses third-party services for functionality and analytics, including:

• Google Analytics for website traffic analysis
• Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising for marketing campaigns
• LinkedIn Insight Tag for professional audience analytics
• MailChimp for email marketing and newsletters
• Hosting and content delivery services

These third-party services are governed by their own terms of service and privacy policies. Please review our Privacy Policy for information about how these services collect and process data.

7.3 User Responsibility

You acknowledge and agree that:

• SMCG is not responsible for any loss or damage caused by your use of third-party websites or services
• You access third-party websites at your own risk
• You should review the terms and privacy policies of third-party websites before use
• Third-party content does not represent SMCG's views or opinions unless explicitly stated

8. Disclaimers and Warranties

8.1 "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" Basis

YOUR USE OF THE WEBSITE IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. THE WEBSITE IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, SMCG disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to:

• Implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement
• Warranties regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of Website content
• Warranties that the Website will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free
• Warranties that defects will be corrected
• Warranties regarding the results obtained from use of the Website

8.2 No Professional Advice

THE WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING ADVICE, HEALTHCARE GUIDANCE, LEGAL ADVICE, OR ANY OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. Content on the Website is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional advice. For specific consulting services, legal advice, or healthcare guidance, consult with qualified professionals or engage SMCG under a formal service agreement.

8.3 No Guarantee of Accuracy

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information on our Website, we make no representations or warranties about:

• The accuracy, completeness, or currentness of any information on the Website
• The suitability of information for any particular purpose
• Industry trends, statistics, or data referenced on the Website
• Links to external websites or third-party content

Healthcare regulations, compliance requirements, and industry best practices evolve frequently. Information on the Website may not reflect the most current developments. Always verify critical information with current authoritative sources.

8.4 No Guarantee of Results

Descriptions of SMCG's services, methodologies, case studies, or client success stories on the Website are provided for illustrative purposes only. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every consulting engagement is unique, and results depend on numerous factors specific to each client's situation.

8.5 Technical Availability

SMCG does not warrant that:

• The Website will be available at all times or any specific time
• The Website will be free from viruses or other harmful components
• Defects will be corrected on any particular timeline
• Any content stored or transmitted through the Website will not be lost, corrupted, or damaged

8.6 State Law Variations

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties. In such jurisdictions, some of the above exclusions may not apply to you, and you may have additional rights.

9. Limitation of Liability

9.1 Exclusion of Damages

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL SMCG, ITS AFFILIATES, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, SUPPLIERS, OR LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR:

• INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES
• LOSS OF PROFITS, REVENUE, DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES
• DAMAGES RESULTING FROM YOUR ACCESS TO OR USE OF (OR INABILITY TO ACCESS OR USE) THE WEBSITE
• DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY CONDUCT OR CONTENT OF ANY THIRD PARTY ON THE WEBSITE
• DAMAGES RESULTING FROM UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS, USE, OR ALTERATION OF YOUR TRANSMISSIONS OR CONTENT
• DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY CONTENT OBTAINED FROM THE WEBSITE

This limitation applies regardless of the legal theory on which the claim is based (contract, tort, strict liability, or otherwise), even if SMCG has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

9.2 Cap on Liability

TO THE EXTENT NOT PROHIBITED BY LAW, THE TOTAL LIABILITY OF SMCG AND ITS AFFILIATES, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, SUPPLIERS, AND LICENSORS FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THESE TERMS OR YOUR USE OF THE WEBSITE SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00) OR THE AMOUNT YOU PAID US (IF ANY) TO ACCESS THE WEBSITE IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

9.3 Distinction from Service Agreements

This limitation of liability applies only to your use of the Website. Liability limitations for actual consulting services provided under separate service agreements are governed by those agreements, not these Website Terms of Service.

9.4 State Law Variations

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. In such jurisdictions, our liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

9.5 Basis of the Bargain

You acknowledge that the disclaimers and limitations of liability in these Terms reflect a reasonable allocation of risk and are fundamental elements of the basis of the bargain between you and SMCG. SMCG would not be able to provide the Website on an economically reasonable basis without these limitations.

10. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless SMCG, its affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, and representatives from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or related to:

• Your access to or use of the Website
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any third-party rights, including intellectual property, privacy, or publicity rights
• Your violation of any applicable law or regulation
• Any content or information you submit, post, or transmit through the Website
• Any claim that your content caused damage to a third party
• Your fraudulent, negligent, or willful misconduct

This indemnification obligation will survive the termination of these Terms and your use of the Website. SMCG reserves the right, at its own expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you, in which case you will cooperate with SMCG in asserting any available defenses.

11. Dispute Resolution, Governing Law, and Jurisdiction

11.1 Informal Resolution

Before filing any legal claim, you agree to first contact SMCG at legal@sullivanmcg.com to attempt to resolve the dispute informally. We will work in good faith to resolve disputes amicably. This informal dispute resolution requirement does not apply to intellectual property claims or injunctive relief requests.

11.2 Governing Law

These Terms and your use of the Website are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict of law principles. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods does not apply to these Terms.

11.3 Jurisdiction and Venue

Subject to the arbitration provisions below (if applicable), you agree that any legal action or proceeding arising out of or related to these Terms or the Website shall be brought exclusively in the federal or state courts located in Harris County, Texas. You consent to the personal jurisdiction of these courts and waive any objection based on improper venue or inconvenient forum.

11.4 Dispute Resolution Process

Any disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of the Website shall be resolved through litigation in the courts specified in Section 11.3 above. This agreement does not preclude parties from seeking provisional remedies in court, including injunctive relief for intellectual property violations.

11.5 Waiver of Jury Trial

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU AND SMCG EACH WAIVE THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THESE TERMS OR THE WEBSITE. Any legal dispute will be decided by a judge through a bench trial. You acknowledge that this waiver is knowing, voluntary, and bargained-for, and that you and SMCG each waive any constitutional or statutory right to trial by jury.

11.6 Class Action Waiver

TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU AND SMCG AGREE THAT EACH MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN YOUR OR ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS, REPRESENTATIVE, OR COLLECTIVE ACTION. Unless both you and SMCG agree otherwise, the court may not consolidate more than one person's claims and may not preside over any form of representative or class proceeding.

11.7 Time Limitation on Claims

You agree that any claim or cause of action arising out of or related to these Terms or the Website must be filed within one (1) year after such claim or cause of action arose, or it will be permanently barred, notwithstanding any statute of limitations or other law to the contrary.

12. Termination and Account Suspension

12.1 Termination by SMCG

SMCG reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to:

• Terminate or suspend your access to all or part of the Website at any time, with or without notice
• Terminate or suspend your account (if applicable) for violation of these Terms
• Remove or disable access to any content on the Website
• Discontinue the Website or any features or services offered through the Website

12.2 Grounds for Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including but not limited to:

• Breach of these Terms
• Fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activity
• Providing false or misleading information
• Engaging in conduct that harms SMCG, other users, or third parties
• Misuse of the Website or its services
• At our discretion for business or operational reasons

12.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your right to access and use the Website will immediately cease
• All licenses and rights granted to you under these Terms will immediately terminate
• You must cease all use of the Website and any downloaded or printed materials
• Sections of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination shall survive, including ownership provisions, warranty disclaimers, indemnity, limitations of liability, and dispute resolution

12.4 Termination by You

You may stop using the Website at any time. If you wish to delete your account or remove your information from our systems, please contact us at privacy@sullivanmcg.com with your request. Note that certain information may be retained as described in our Privacy Policy or as required by law.

13. Changes to Terms of Service

13.1 Right to Modify

SMCG reserves the right to modify, amend, or update these Terms at any time at our sole discretion. We will indicate changes by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of these Terms.

13.2 Notice of Material Changes

For material changes that significantly affect your rights or obligations, we will provide notice through one or more of the following methods:

• Prominent notice on the Website homepage
• Email notification to registered users or newsletter subscribers
• Pop-up or banner notification upon your next Website visit

13.3 Acceptance of Changes

Your continued use of the Website after changes to these Terms are posted constitutes your acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree to the modified Terms, you must stop using the Website.

13.4 Review Responsibility

We encourage you to review these Terms periodically to stay informed of any updates. It is your responsibility to check these Terms for changes each time you access the Website.

14. General Provisions

14.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and SMCG regarding your use of the Website and supersede all prior or contemporaneous understandings and agreements, whether written or oral, regarding the Website. These Website Terms do not alter any separate agreements you may have with SMCG for consulting services.

14.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable. If such modification is not possible, the provision shall be severed from these Terms, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

14.3 Waiver

No waiver by SMCG of any term or condition set forth in these Terms shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or condition or a waiver of any other term or condition. Any failure by SMCG to assert a right or provision under these Terms does not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

14.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or any rights or obligations hereunder, by operation of law or otherwise, without SMCG's prior written consent. Any attempted assignment in violation of this provision shall be void. SMCG may assign these Terms at any time without restriction. These Terms shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties, their successors, and permitted assigns.

14.5 Force Majeure

SMCG shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance of its obligations under these Terms due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, pandemic, riots, embargoes, acts of civil or military authorities, fire, floods, accidents, network infrastructure failures, strikes, or shortages of transportation facilities, fuel, energy, labor, or materials.

14.6 Relationship of Parties

Nothing in these Terms shall be construed to create a partnership, joint venture, employer-employee, agency, or franchisor-franchisee relationship between you and SMCG. You have no authority to make or accept any offers or representations on behalf of SMCG.

14.7 Section Headings

The section headings in these Terms are for convenience only and have no legal or contractual effect.

14.8 Electronic Communications

By using the Website, you consent to receive electronic communications from SMCG, including emails, notifications, and postings on the Website. You agree that all agreements, notices, disclosures, and other communications that we provide to you electronically satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing.

14.9 Export Compliance

You agree to comply with all applicable export and import control laws and regulations in your use of the Website. You represent that you are not located in a country subject to U.S. government embargo or designated as a "terrorist supporting" country, and that you are not listed on any U.S. government list of prohibited or restricted parties.

14.10 Language

These Terms are provided in English. Any translations are provided for convenience only. In the event of any conflict between the English version and a translated version, the English version shall prevail.

15. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or disputes regarding these Terms of Use, please contact us:

For specific inquiries:

• General Terms questions: legal@sullivanmcg.com
• Privacy and data protection: privacy@sullivanmcg.com
• Copyright: legal@sullivanmcg.com
• Consulting services inquiries: contact@sullivanmcg.com

Related Legal Documents:

• Privacy Policy: sullivanmcg.com/privacy-statement/ - Learn how we collect, use, and protect your personal information
• Cookie Policy: sullivanmcg.com/cookie-statement/ - Understand our use of cookies and tracking technologies
• Legal Disclaimer: sullivanmcg.com/disclaimer/ - Important disclaimers about Website content and use