EXHIBIT (5)


                 [HASKELL SLAUGHTER & YOUNG, L.L.C. LETTERHEAD]


                                November 9, 2000

HEALTHSOUTH Corporation
One HealthSouth Parkway
Birmingham, Alabama  35243

Attention:  Legal Department

         RE:      REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4

Gentlemen:

     We  have  served  as  counsel  to  HEALTHSOUTH   Corporation,   a  Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the proposed exchange offer (the
"Exchange Offer") which is more fully described in the Registration Statement on
Form S-4 (SEC File No.  333-_____)  filed under the  Securities  Act of 1933, as
amended,  with the Securities  and Exchange  Commission on November 9, 2000 (the
"Registration Statement"), to exchange its 10-3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due
2008 (the  "Exchange  Notes"),  for an equal  principal  amount of the Company's
outstanding  10-3/4% Senior  Subordinated  Notes due 2008 (the "Private Notes").
This opinion is furnished to you pursuant to the requirements of Form S-4.

     In  connection  with this  opinion,  we have examined and are familiar with
originals or copies  (certified or otherwise  identified to our satisfaction) of
such  documents,  corporate  records  and  other  instruments  relating  to  the
formation  of the Company and the  authorization  and  issuance of the  Exchange
Notes as we have deemed necessary and appropriate.

     Based upon the foregoing,  and having regard for such legal  considerations
as we have deemed relevant, it is our opinion that:

     1. The Exchange Notes have been duly authorized; and

     2.  Upon  issuance,   exchange  and  delivery  of  the  Exchange  Notes  as
contemplated in the Registration  Statement,  the Exchange Notes will be legally
issued and will constitute the valid and binding obligations of the Company.





HEALTHSOUTH Corporation


November 9, 2000
Page 2


     We do hereby consent to the reference to our Firm in the  Prospectus  which
forms a part of the Registration Statement, and to the filing of this opinion as
an Exhibit thereto.


                                 Very truly yours,

                                 Haskell Slaughter & Young, L.L.C.



                                 By   /s/ F. Hampton McFadden, Jr.
                                    -----------------------------------
                                          F. Hampton McFadden, Jr.