Nurse Surveyor

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

22d•$7,474 - $8,886•Hybrid

About The Position

Nurse Surveyors work under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. These positions perform advanced (senior-level) nursing work; conduct validation surveys, resurveys, initial surveys, complaint investigations and follow-up visits at regulated health facilities to determine compliance with state and federal regulations. These positions evaluate health facility providers’ plans of correction for acceptable corrective action on cited deficiencies and refers for state and federal enforcement action. These positions prepare and complete appropriate reports accurately and on a timely basis. These positions serve as a preceptor for orientation of new surveyors. These positions represent the department at stakeholder meetings. These positions have extensive latitude in completing essential job functions. May be requested to assist in a variety of roles during emergency situations or in other activities as assigned.

Requirements

Must be registered as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Valid driver's license required.
Knowledge of local, state and federal health care laws and regulations relevant to program areas.
Knowledge of a health care facility operation, regulation, and procedures.
Knowledge of public administration and management techniques.
Knowledge of issues, concerns, and needs of populations at risk in various health care and/or institutional environments (elderly, individuals with mental disabilities, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, functionally dependent, medically frail, etc.).
Knowledge of nursing principles and acceptable professional standards of patient care.
Knowledge of program regulations and procedures, and survey techniques and principles.
Skill in communication and public speaking.
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and negotiating and implementing solutions.
Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
Ability to evaluate policies and procedures.
Ability to prepare and maintain records.
Ability to explain public health law.
Ability to interpret policies and procedures.
Ability to interpret health care facility regulations.
Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to use computers and computer software for word processing, database management and report writing.
Ability to plan, assign and/or supervise the work of others.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in nursing or from an accredited nursing program is generally preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year to year basis.
3 Years registered nursing experience required.

Responsibilities

Conduct on-site surveys and investigations of licensed and or Medicare certified health care facilities, to include the investigation of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, to determine compliance with applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and rules.
Analyzes, compiles and reviews complex, technical information derived from clinical record reviews, facility management and business record reviews, patient, consumer and facility staff interviews, and onsite observations.
Evaluates management, supervision and quality of care delivery.
Completes written reports for each inspection, investigation or survey to detail deficiencies and provide narratives to support regulatory findings. The surveyor summarizes facts obtained during an investigation into whether abuse, neglect, or exploitation occurred. The surveyor is responsible for ensuring the documentation is clear and concise; ensures course corrections implemented by the providers are appropriate to address the risk or noncompliance with regulations identified during inspections and investigations. If the surveyor determines abuse, neglect, or exploitation did occur, the inspector will make a referral to HHSC’s Employee Misconduct Registry of the alleged perpetrator.
Determines the validity of the allegations in the complaint and compliance with state and federal regulations, and documents survey and investigation findings in the Automated Survey Processing Environment (ASPEN) and IQIES (Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System)
Reviews plans of correction submitted by healthcare facilities to determine acceptability. Develops recommendations for adverse state enforcement action and federal termination action if applicable, and refers to other regulatory entities if appropriate.
Submits travel vouchers timely, accurately and according to policy; enters leave in CAPPS timely.
Plans, assigns and/or supervises the work of other survey staff and survey teams.
Provides consultation and serves as a preceptor and mentor in the orientation and initial training of newly employed surveyors.
Uses the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Surveyor Training Orientation Program for the Newly Employed Surveyor and the specific laws and regulations for each health facility type to teach the survey process.
Uses standardized reports to compose field evaluation reports of newly employed surveyors. Participates in training workshops to enhance the skills of surveyors. Assists management and quality assurance program staff in the development and implementation of quality assurance processes.
Represents the agency by providing information, collaborating with stakeholders, customers, other state agencies and federal partners.
Provides consultation and pre-survey conferences to regulated health care facility providers and potential providers to assist them in maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations.
Responds to inquiries and requests from providers and health care consumers regarding regulated facilities, both verbally and in writing utilizing word processing software, such as Word.
Performs related work as assigned.
May be requested to assist in a variety of roles during emergency situations or in other activities as assigned.