Karen Parsons, J.D., is the Director of Institutional Compliance at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.  She is responsible for implementing activities to ensure an effective institution-wide compliance program at the University.  This includes the development of compliance procedures and policies, employee training, and monitoring measures to prevent, detect, and respond appropriately to institutional compliance risks. She is also responsible for maintaining and publicizing the “hotline” confidential reporting system and coordinates investigations of allegations of non-compliance.

Prior to working for the University, Karen served as in-house legal counsel for a group of nine Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authorities throughout East Texas for six years.  In this capacity, she provided assistance in the development and implementation of their compliance programs, coordinated procurement activities and contracting processes, and provided legal counsel to executive leadership and operational programs. 

Karen received a B.S. (Behavioral Science) from the University of Houston-Clear Lake and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from South Texas College of Law.  She is licensed to practice law in the state of Texas.