Health Compliance Inspector, Generalist (HP III), Nursing Facilities -HFEMSD

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division (HFEMSD) is responsible for the oversight and enforcement of a broad range of federal and state statutes and regulations applicable to a wide variety of healthcare facilities and services in Colorado, including hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgical facilities, renal dialysis centers, emergency medical services providers, designated and non-designated trauma centers, long term care facilities and many other specific types of healthcare services. The division licenses, certifies and surveys healthcare facilities and services; provides patient safety and healthcare quality programs; recognizes emergency medical service (EMS) education programs; certifies EMS providers and licenses air and ground ambulance services operating within the state. This work unit exists to: (1) protect the health, safety, and welfare of patients/residents of health care facilities in the state of Colorado, by evaluating and securing compliance of licensed and certified facilities and providers, utilizing applicable federal and state laws/regulations and professional standards of practice; and (2) to provide to the public information on health care facilities. This position is staffed by professionals who work independently or as a member of an interdisciplinary team to assess the care, treatment and quality of life provided by various health facilities through observations, interviews, and record review. Uses experience, training and judgment in evaluating and applying statutes, regulations, guidelines, policies and procedures on a case-by-case, item-by-item basis for facility compliance/violation. Reviews self-reported occurrences and incidents of serious deficiencies and assesses whether certified and/or licensed health facilities intervened appropriately. Writes statements of deficiencies, identifying areas of non-compliance with federal and state requirements based on survey/investigation results. Acts as resource, educator, and interpreter of regulations for service providers and consumers, based upon established guidelines, policies and procedures.

Requirements

Six (6) years of relevant experience in health care in a facility or program regulated by the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division.
A combination of related education in Nursing, Public Health, Social Work, Health Administration, or closely related field, and/or relevant experience in health care in a facility or program regulated by the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division equal to six (6) years.
Proficiency in fundamental computer skills such as navigating operating systems, using basic software applications, and communicating through email.
Must be vaccinated against COVID19.
Must obtain an influenza shot annually prior to the onset of the flu season or wear a mask while on facility/agency premises.
Must be willing to work in environments where contagious diseases may be present.
Must be willing to perform annual fit testing for N-95 masks, as well as complete annual training on donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Must be willing to work occasional evening, night, weekend, or holidays depending upon circumstances of survey or complaint.
Once employed in this position, must successfully complete and apply all required surveyor training (unless training is unavailable) within the first six (6) months of service.
Requires the use and operation of state fleet vehicles.

Nice To Haves

Non-clinical or clinical health care experience, preferably in an acute or specialized setting nursing facility or agency but will consider other areas such as assisted living/home care, etc.
Experience with evaluating a health care facility's quality of care, services, and treatment of the residents/clients.
Experience to evaluate facility practices through observations and record review.
Experience with conducting interviews with residents/patients, family members, staff, outside agencies and medical professionals.
Experience with analyzing evidence and survey results to determine if and why a healthcare facility is out of compliance with applicable statutes and regulations.
Experience writing clear, concise, and legally defensible statements of deficiencies.
Experience and proficiency in word processing and able to use current communication technology.
Ability to analyze and interpret clinical evidence and observe, record, and interpret information.
Thoroughness when performing work and conscientiousness in attention to detail.
Ability to gather relevant information; identify and analyze problems using sound reasoning to arrive at conclusions.
Model high standards of honesty, integrity, trust, openness and respect for individuals.
Interpersonal and Conflict Management Skills- Displays understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy and concern; develops and maintains effective relationships; deals skillfully with people who are difficult, hostile or distressed; effectively manages and resolves conflicts, confrontations and disagreements in a positive and constructive way; does not avoid conflict when it can produce better solutions.
Ability to analyze the information and reach logical well supported conclusions.

Responsibilities

On an unannounced basis, independently or as a member of an interdisciplinary team, determines whether the entity is operating in compliance with applicable statutes/regulations.
Assesses and evaluates health care facility quality of care, services, and treatment of the residents/patients as well as facility practices through observations, record review, as well as interviews with residents/patients, family members, staff, and outside agency and medical professionals.
Collects and documents evidence and survey results based upon observations, interviews and record review.
Analyzes the evidence and survey results in order to determine whether and how the health care facility is out of compliance with applicable statutes and regulations.
Writes clear, concise, and legally defensible statements of deficiencies based on analysis of the documented findings and extensive knowledge of these laws, regulations and guidelines as set forth in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and State regulations, Principles of Documentation, and program-specific protocols, policies and procedures, as applicable.
Conducts pre-survey preparation activities for the survey team, including the selection of residents for inclusion in the survey sample.
Assigns work to survey team members prior to and during the course of the survey.
Attends meetings, serves on task forces or teams, completes projects, and performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

Medical and dental plans.
Colorado PERA retirement options, including defined benefit plan or defined contribution plan.
Optional 401(K) and 457 retirement plans.
Employer-paid life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Potential flexible working arrangements
11 paid holidays per year and generous paid time off.
Free parking and access to RTD bus lines.
Tuition assistance.
Employee wellness programs.
Professional development opportunities.
Career opportunities throughout Colorado state government.
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.