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Steven Ortquist
Founder & Principal at Arete Compliance Solutions, LLC
Professional Background
Steven Ortquist is a distinguished leader in health care law and compliance, boasting over 20 years of profound experience in guiding organizations toward achieving remarkable compliance and ethics standards. As the Founder and Managing Director of Arete Compliance Solutions, Steven channels his extensive knowledge and expertise into helping hospitals and health systems navigate the complex terrain of compliance issues. He possesses a unique blend of legal acumen and finance expertise that allows him to uncover vulnerabilities within organizations and implement comprehensive strategies that protect against the risks associated with noncompliance.
In his former roles, Steven served as the VP and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer at Sutter Health, where he was pivotal in developing and enforcing compliance programs that not only safeguarded the organization from legal pitfalls but also resulted in significant financial savings. His tenure at Tenet Healthcare as the SVP of Compliance & Ethics further solidified his reputation as a high-level strategist in the health care sector, allowing him to develop and lead initiatives that reinforced the organization's commitment to ethical standards.
Education and Achievements
Steven Ortquist pursued his legal education at Wake Forest University School of Law, focusing on Health Care Law. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for his extensive career dedicated to health care compliance. Prior to this, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from John Brown University, equipping him with a solid understanding of business principles that he deftly integrates into compliance frameworks.
Throughout his career, Steven has made significant contributions to the health care compliance landscape. As a former Partner and Senior Managing Director at Aegis Compliance & Ethics Center, LLP, he forged invaluable relationships and enhanced organizational practices pertaining to compliance and ethics. Additionally, his role as Director of Corporate Compliance at Rush University Medical Center further empowered him to refine compliance systems that strengthen organizational integrity.
Notable Achievements
Steven’s career is characterized by a series of notable achievements that underscore his commitment to excellence in health care compliance. Some standout highlights include:
- Development of Compliance Programs: At Sutter Health, Steven has successfully spearheaded the creation and implementation of compliance programs that have significantly reduced the risk of legal infractions, leading to millions of dollars saved.
- Risk Management: His strategic initiatives in risk management have proven essential in identifying potential compliance failures before they escalate into larger issues.
- Leadership and Engagement: Recognized for his hands-on leadership style, Steven has engaged with team members, stakeholders, and leaders to facilitate the rollout of new concepts and operational strategies effectively.
- Building Measurable Practices: Steven has consistently refined business practices, selling the importance of compliance at every organizational level and effectively demonstrating the correlation between compliance and overall business outcomes.
Overall, Steven Ortquist’s career is marked by a commitment to enhancing compliance and ethics across health care systems. His leadership, combined with his unique legal and financial perspectives, empowers organizations to evade compliance pitfalls and contribute to a culture of integrity. As he continues to innovate and lead at Arete Compliance Solutions, Steven remains a trusted authority in the health care compliance sector, dedicated to fostering sustainable practices that benefit both organizations and the communities they serve.
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