CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY :

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for the day-to-day operational performance of the Kentucky Critical Access Hospital (CAH). Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the COO provides direct oversight of hospital operations, regulatory compliance, quality and patient safety, and workforce stability.

In the Kentucky CAH environment, the COO serves as a highly visible, hands-on leader—ensuring compliance with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services CAH Conditions of Participation, Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services regulations, and accreditation standards (e.g., The Joint Commission or DNV), while balancing limited staffing, financial constraints, and community access needs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES :

Hospital Operations

• Direct and oversee daily operations of inpatient, outpatient, emergency, ancillary, and support services
• Ensure efficient patient flow, staffing coverage, and coordination across departments
• Provide real-time operational decision-making during staffing shortages, census fluctuations, or emergencies
• Implement operational policies and procedures consistent with CAH requirements and Kentucky regulations

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

• Ensure continuous compliance with CMS CAH Conditions of Participation
• Maintain compliance with CHFS Office of Inspector General and Office of Health Data & Analytics requirements
• Lead operational readiness for state surveys, CMS validation surveys, and accreditation reviews
• Coordinate corrective action plans and sustain compliance improvements

Quality, Safety & Emergency Preparedness

• Partner with nursing and medical staff leadership on quality improvement, patient safety, and infection prevention
• Oversee operational components of the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program
• Ensure compliance with CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule and Kentucky emergency management requirements
• Coordinate drills, hazard vulnerability analyses, and emergency response planning

Financial & Resource Stewardship

• Collaborate with the CEO and CFO on operational budgets, productivity management, and cost containment
• Optimize use of CAH-specific reimbursement structures and operational flexibilities
• Oversee operational components of grant-funded programs (e.g., USDA, HRSA, rural health grants)
• Support operational planning for capital projects and facility improvements

Physician, Provider & Workforce Leadership

• Foster strong collaboration with medical staff and advanced practice providers
• Address operational barriers impacting provider satisfaction and retention
• Lead department directors and managers, emphasizing cross-training and workforce flexibility
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies critical to rural healthcare sustainability

Community & System Collaboration

• Coordinate operational relationships with EMS, rural health clinics, long-term care facilities, and regional referral hospitals
• Represent hospital operations in local, regional, and state-level rural health initiatives as assigned
• Maintain an approachable leadership presence with staff, providers, patients, and community partners

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Nursing, or related field (required)
• Master’s degree (MHA, MBA, MSN, or related) preferred

Experience

• 5–7 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience
• Prior experience in a Kentucky CAH or rural hospital strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience with regulatory compliance, hospital operations, and quality improvement

Core Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of CMS CAH regulations and Kentucky healthcare requirements
• Practical, hands-on leadership style
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to lead with limited resources while maintaining compliance and service access

BENEFITS OFFERED:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Short Term Disability
• Cancer, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity
• Paid Vacation Time
• Paid Sick Time
• Wellness Plan