Surveyor - Ambulatory Care RN

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Nurse Surveyor

Nurse III

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical

Shift: Day

Additional Shift:

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 80%

Regular/Temporary: Full Time/Part Time: Full time

Facility Location:

The Woodlands; Nurse III

Telework status contingent on successful completion of 6 month probationary period and all requirements for telework status. Travel requirements include travel to statewide work sites each week with one day or less each week in the office.

Regulatory Nurse surveyors works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. These positions perform advanced (senior-level) nursing work; conducts 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 serve as a preceptor for orientation of new surveyors. May be requested to assist in a variety of roles during emergency situations or in other activities as assigned.

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

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.

Regulated health facilities surveyed and investigated are: hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, end stage renal disease facilities, , rural health clinics, portable x-ray providers, outpatient physical therapy providers, community mental health clinics, and comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities.

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. ensures course corrections implemented by the providers are appropriate to address the risk or noncompliance with regulations identified during inspections and investigations. 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; Training. 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. This position may require weekend, after-hour, and occasional holiday work to accommodate high-priority investigation deadlines or other business needs.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must be registered as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.

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 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.

Ability to evaluate policies and procedures.

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.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in nursing or from an accredited nursing program is generally preferred. 3 Years registered nursing experience required.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans :

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at View phone number on aiapply.co. Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.