Registered Nurse Health Compliance Inspector, Nursing Facilities - FAA00313

Health Facilities And Emergency Medical Services Division

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, numbering approximately 3,200 facilities, 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. 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.

Summary of Position: 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 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 task, 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.

Duties of Position:

• On an unannounced basis, independently or as a member of an interdisciplinary team, surveys (inspects) Nursing Facilities to determine 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.
• Uses judgment and experience in choosing specific regulations to be cited. 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.
• Advises health care facility providers, health care consumers, and other governmental agencies regarding regulatory requirements.
• Decides what inspection areas identified as non-compliant will be cited and then decides the specific regulation that the deficiency should be cited under.
• Investigates complex complaint allegations, analyzes the data gathered during the investigation, determines whether the allegations of regulatory noncompliance are substantiated and, if substantiated, determines the appropriate regulatory citations to be issued.

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

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.

This experience and education must be substantiated within the Work Experience & Education section of your application. Please be sure to enter all relevant job history and education within the last 10 years. "See Resume" and missing relevant employment or education criteria will not be credited towards the minimum qualifications. Education will be credited on a year-for-year basis. Part-time work will be pro-rated. If using education to substitute for experience please upload a copy of your unofficial transcripts or a copy of your diploma/degree to your application. If you do not have access to either of these options, please contact the department contact.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Six (6) years of applicable health care in a facility or program regulated by the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division 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 education & experience equivalent to six (6) years such as two (2) years of professional health care in a facility or program regulated by the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division AND Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Nursing, Public Health, Social Work, or closely related field 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).

Preferred and Essential Competencies: Relevant years of State service contribute to a candidates position-related knowledge, skill, ability, behavior or other posted competency should be considered as a preferred qualification and given weight under the process.

• 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 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.
• Ability to perform the physical demands of this active position.
• Thoroughness when performing work and conscientiousness in attention to detail.
• Model high standards of honesty, integrity, trust, openness and respect for individuals.
• Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely.
• 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.

Conditions of Employment:

• Pre-employment background check
• Ability and willingness to travel independently or with a group of other health professionals up to 50% of the time throughout Colorado.
• Active, unrestricted RN license
• Must be willing to work in environments where contagious diseases may be present (appropriate personal protective equipment and procedural protocols will be provided).
• 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.
• Be available in the event of the activation of the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and be required to report to work immediately at the regular or alternate location. During this time, travel restrictions may be in place
• Must be proficient in word processing and able to use current communication technology to connect to the office from the field.
• Must obtain an influenza shot annually prior to the onset of the flu season or wear a mask while on facility/agency premises. *See exemption note below
• Must be vaccinated against COVID19. **See note below
• Must be able 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 able to work occasional evening, night, weekend, or holidays depending upon circumstances of survey or complaint.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 45lbs. of equipment for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods of time including climbing multiple flights of stairs.
• Must be able to hold a tablet computer in a

Colorado Department of Transportation