Overview

John Puente brings nearly three decades of legal and public policy experience in service of managed care plans, medical groups, trade associations and other healthcare clients, both in the public and private sector. He specializes in providing legal counsel on administrative law, public policy, regulatory, compliance, licensing, Medicare, Medicaid and Marketplace issues.

John has held numerous positions at both public and private organizations. While General Counsel for the Medical Board of California, he advised the Board on physician licensure and disciplinary matters and served as Chair of the Corporate Practice of Medicine Working Group. As Chief of Licensing and Deputy Director for Plan and Provider Relations at the Department of Managed Health Care, he oversaw the licensure of full service and specialized health plans as well as led the review and ultimate approval of a significant health plan merger. Most recently, John served as Deputy Director and Chief Counsel to the California Department of Health Care Services where he provided strategic legal counsel and advice to the organization, and oversaw the Office of Legal Services and Office of Regulations.

In the private sector, John has held several senior leadership positions. He was Deputy General Counsel and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for a publicly traded Fortune 500 health care company specializing in Medicaid, Medicare and Marketplace. He advised on all legal and regulatory matters including contracting, credentialing, licensing, HIPAA, surveys, and regulatory transactions. John was also Vice President and California Operations Director for a national venture capital funded healthcare and technology startup. During his tenure, the health plan quadrupled in enrollment, expanded its service area, and entered the small group market. Additionally, John was Vice President of Legal and Regulatory Affairs for the statewide trade association representing health plans in California. In this role, he was instrumental in guiding industry input during development of the timely access to care regulations as well as establishing links between the industry and the Department of Health Care Services as public program enrollment underwent significant growth.

John’s experience in the public sector, combined with that in senior corporate leadership roles, provides him with the critical understanding and expertise necessary to successfully navigate business and regulatory complexities.

In addition to his professional work, John has long been involved in local community service. John is a former Board Member of the Land Park Community Association, former Chair of the Sacramento Utility Rates Advisory Commission and former Chair of the Sacramento County Mental Health Board.

Insights

Organizations

Community & Professional

Sacramento County Bar Association, Member

American Health Law Association, Member

California Society for Healthcare Attorneys, Member

Land Park Neighbor Association, Member

Education

Admissions

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