Complaints Investigator, Registered Nurse (HP III), Academy and Workforce Development - HFEMSD

Job Title

Health Professional III

About CDPHE

At the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, we are charged with protecting Colorado's health and environment a responsibility that affects every person and every community in the state. CDPHE is distinctive because we bring public health and environmental protection together under one agency, recognizing that healthy people depend on healthy places. Our teams prevent diseases and injury, respond to emergencies ranging from E.coli outbreaks to global pandemics, reduce air pollution, protect water quality, regulate health facilities, manage environmental hazards, perform advanced laboratory testing, provide birth and death records, and implement health promoting programs. We turn science and data into action, set statewide standards, and work alongside local public health agencies and community partners to meet Colorado's most pressing health and environmental challenges. Working at CDPHE means applying your expertise to complex, consequential work that can improve lives across the state.

Our mission captures this broad portfolio of work: to advance Colorado's health and protect the places we live, learn, work, and play. Our vision is a healthy and sustainable Colorado where current and future generations can thrive. Achieving the mission and vision takes bold action, talented people, broad partnerships, and a commitment to serving every Coloradan.

Description of Job

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 health care facilities and services in Colorado, including hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgical facilities, renal dialysis centers, emergency medical services providers, designated trauma centers, long term care facilities, and many other specific types of health care 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 and certifies EMS providers, designates trauma centers and licenses all air and ground ambulance services operating within the state of Colorado. 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.

The purpose of this position is to assess the care, treatment and quality of life provided by health care 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. Works as the RN required for the survey team, and conducts nursing observations and medication pass tasks, and other tasks as applicable. Reviews occurrences and incidents of serious deficiencies and assesses whether 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, as applicable.

• 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/agency quality of care, services, and treatment of the residents/patients as well as facility practices through observation, record review, as interviews with residents/patients, family members, staff, and outside agency and medical professionals.
• RN serves as a clinical resource to determine whether the delivery of nursing care is in accordance with professional standards of practice and relevant state and federal requirements are being met.
• 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.
• Analyzes the data gathered during the investigation and, if substantiated, determines the appropriate regulatory citations to be issued.
• Advises, counsels and provides guidance to facility/agency administrators/staff regarding the purpose/reason for the regulations, and how to/or why areas are non-compliant.
• Advises health care facility/agency providers, health care consumers, and other governmental agencies regarding regulatory requirements.
• Attends meetings, serves on task forces or teams, completes projects, and performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Residency Requirement: This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Class Code & Classification Description: C7C3XX Health Professional III

Minimum Qualifications: NOTE: An applicant may meet the minimum qualifications for this job in one of two ways: They may qualify through their work experience alone or through a combination of education and work experience. Experience Only: Six (6) years of relevant experience in applicable health care in a facility or program regulated by the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division, experience in healthcare regulatory compliance or surveying, or other closely related experience and current, valid licensure as a Registered Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). Or Education and Experience: A combination of related education in Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Nursing, Social Work, or closely related field, and/or relevant experience in applicable health care in a facility or program regulated by the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division, experience in healthcare regulatory compliance or surveying, or other closely related experience equal to six (6) years and and current, valid licensure as a Registered Nurse from the Colorado Board of Nursing or any state participating in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).

You must substantiate that you meet the minimum qualifications when filling out the Work Experience section of the application. Failure to do so will result in the application not moving forward in the hiring process. "See resume" will not be accepted. Resumes are considered supplemental information and are not considered in the initial evaluation. In addition, part-time work will be prorated when determining whether minimum qualifications are met.

Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the minimum requirements, the successful candidate in this position will have the following highly desirable experience and competencies:

• Relevant experience with the State of Colorado.
• Proficiency in fundamental computer skills such as navigating operating systems, using basic software applications, and communicating through email is required.
• Non-clinical or clinical health care experience, preferably in an assisted living residence, homecare, hospice or closely related agency but will consider other areas such as acute care, nursing facilities, 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.
• Ability to perform the physical demands of this active position.
• 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.

Conditions of Employment:

• Residency Requirement: This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.
• A pre-employment background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• Critical Status: Must be available in the event of an emergency, (e.g., bio-terrorist attack, chemical attack, disease outbreak or all hazards) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place.
• Critical