Steven Baruch - Health Care Compliance Association

SB: I am the first full-time, dedicated
compliance officer at Alta Bates Summit
Medical Center. I am focused on building
strong relationships with employees and
leaders and establishing the Compliance
department as a resource and partner in
supporting the goals of the medical center.
Ensuring that the Compliance department is
included in the planning stages of a project
often can help ensure that goals are achieved.
DT: What do you find to be the most challenging
about your work as compliance officer
SB: Aside from expected workload and
budget challenges, it can also be challenging
while analyzing an issue to ensure that all
stakeholders have the opportunity to share
their thoughts and concerns. A focus on
fostering strong relationships can ensure that
Compliance is considered a partner and a
resource in activities.
DT: What do you see as the most important
traits for a compliance officer to be successful
in the role
SB: I am asked this question frequently by
others considering a career in Compliance. I
believe the most important trait for a compliance
officer is the ability to build relationships
across the large spectrum of people you
will encounter within an organization.
Almost anyone can learn the basics of
compliance laws and regulations; however,
the compliance officer must have the skills to
translate and facilitate the implementation of
these laws and regulations at an operational
level.
Compliance officers must effectively communicate
with executives, business leaders,
clinical teams, and general employees. Each
of these audiences may operate uniquely and
have different goals and expectations.
Although Compliance may not always be
the most popular voice in an organization,
building and maintaining our relationships
with our stakeholders is the key to a successful
compliance program.
DT: Let’s talk for a moment about HCCA.
Why did you join
SB: While I had been doing a lot of compliance
activity early in my career, I had no idea
that there was a dedicated profession and title
for this work. When a previous employer
identified the title and supported joining
HCCA, it was a logical move to support my
career interests.
DT: What benefits has HCCA brought
about for you
SB: I have found tremendous value in
HCCA’s Compliance Academies. These
courses provided important perspective and
education, as well as practical tips that have
helped advance my career as a compliance
officer. HCCA also provides unique opportunities
to network with other compliance
professionals, allowing me to learn from their
experiences, tap their knowledge, share ideas,
and continue to learn and grow professionally.
DT: You have earned your Certification in
Healthcare Compliance (CHC). How has
that helped you in your current role
SB: I believe that compliance, as an
organized profession, continues to grow.
Additionally, health care, as an industry, is
in the midst of a massive transformation.
Earning my certification in health care
compliance establishes my expertise in this
evolving field. The certification also lends
credibility as I work to build strong partnerships
and support the strategic goals of my
hospital and health system. People are often
surprised to learn that there is a professional
organization and certification available for
health care compliance.
DT: Did you attend a Compliance
Academy or study for the CHC on your own
SB: Fortunately, I attended HCCA’s
Compliance Academy to prepare for the
certification exam. The opportunity to spend
five days with knowledgeable professionals
and peers, focusing solely on all aspects of
compliance to study for the exam, was a great
experience. I strongly advocate this approach
with colleagues and others I mentor. I believe
it is the best way to prepare for the exam.
DT: You are the first CHC-F Candidate;
Please tell us what prompted you to apply for
status of Certified in Healthcare Compliance-
Fellowship
SB: I have always sought ways to challenge
myself and continue learning. My family
especially encouraged me to reach for this
goal. Although I was intrigued when the
fellowship was announced, I gave it quite
some thought before choosing to move
forward with the application. Ultimately, the
enthusiasm for our profession I enjoyed after
attending the annual Compliance Institute
each year prompted me to complete the application
process and become more involved
with HCCA.
DT: What was the process of being accepted
into the CHC-F candidate status like for you
SB: I learned that there were no previous
candidates immediately after I had submitted
my application. I was both excited and nervous
about that prospect. I was excited that I
would be challenged by the process and be in
a position to set a standard. At the same time,
I was not certain that I would be accepted. It
was very exciting and a great honor to receive a
telephone call from Roy Snell informing me I
had been accepted as a candidate.
DT: Tell us what you see in the future for
compliance professionals
SB: Compliance departments typically
operate on lean budgets. Given the changes
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Health Care Compliance Association • 888-580-8373 • www.hcca-info.org
December 2010
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