Michael K. Bassham

Michael K. Bassham is a senior litigation attorney at Bass, Berry & Sims PLC who represents clients in government enforcement and compliance actions. His practice is focused on healthcare fraud and abuse, where he regularly advises providers and companies on compliance with the Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, and False Claims Act. He also works with clients navigating complex Medicaid requirements and related regulatory challenges tied to fraud and abuse issues.

Bassham earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt Law School in 1988 after completing his B.A. at the University of Kansas in 1985. Admitted to practice in Tennessee, he is also admitted to several U.S. District Courts and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Sixth and Third Circuits. This breadth of admissions enables him to represent healthcare clients in both trial and appellate courts when facing government scrutiny or regulatory litigation.

Before entering private practice, Bassham served as General Counsel with the Bureau of TennCare and as senior counsel at the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office. In those roles, he handled healthcare fraud investigations and litigation on behalf of the state. He also worked as a consultant to healthcare companies, assisting them with contract procurement and compliance strategies, gaining a broad perspective on regulatory oversight from both government and private sector angles.

Active in professional and civic circles, Michael K. Bassham is a member of the Tennessee Bar Association and Nashville Bar Association. He has participated in leadership programs, including LEAD Tennessee and the Tennessee Government Executive Institute. With decades of legal and regulatory experience, he is regarded as a trusted advisor for healthcare organizations confronting complex compliance demands and enforcement actions.

Law Office Affiliations

• Senior Litigation Attorney, Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
• Member, Tennessee Bar Association
• Member, Nashville Bar Association
• Member, Tennessee Government Executive Institute
• Member, LEAD Tennessee

Licensed State

• Tennessee

Education

• Vanderbilt Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Kansas
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges