HEALTH FACILITY SURVEYOR I8231A3 Pay Grade: 26 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is specialized work conducting surveys of health facilities for licensure and certification. Work involves performance of survey activities for the licensure of health care facilities and the certification of providers in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Work includes reviewing, evaluating, and making official reports of situations and conditions in health care facilities, and determining if good health care is being provided and the degree to which the facilities are in compliance with state licensure and federal certification regulations. Work is performed in accordance with established technical and administrative guidelines. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision..." Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks. Difficulty - LEVEL C: Considerable - duties which require a high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning, developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL D: Work is of a diversified nature that usually involves multiple, unrelated steps. Analytical thought is necessary for dealing with complex data and situations. Work often involves a variety of unrelated processes and may require planning or carrying out a sequence of actions or both. Several alternatives usually exist at this level for approaching problems or situations. Workers at this level exercise a considerable amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by occasional review and by reporting to or consultation with supervisors or superiors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually broadly defined or technical requiring careful analysis and interpretation. Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant. Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level. Physical Demands - LEVEL A: The work is predominantly sedentary and requires minimal or negligible physical exertion. The employee is normally seated; however, the nature of the work allows for periods of standing or walking at will. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Health Facility Surveyor II class where work is of a more complex and diversified nature and the incumbents supervise the work of survey teams. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Surveys hospitals, skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities, home health agencies, and other health care delivery agencies operating under Medicare and Medicaid directives to obtain data on the quantity and quality of medical, administrative and social services provided in the facility by interviewing physicians, administrators, employees, patients and residents, examining records and reports, and observing the quality of resident existence in the facility. Analyzes the overall operation of the facility, discusses the observed deficiencies with the governing board, administrator, director of nurses and other department heads, and provides licensure and certification advice relative to physical and other improvements needed to comply with state and federal directives, laws, rules, and regulations. Completes survey reports for submission to supervisors, by making judgments and observations concerning the compliance status of the facility's services and living conditions with state and federal regulations and determines if discovered deficiencies endanger the health or safety of residents. Interprets federal and state laws and regulations relating to licensure and certification of health facilities and operational programs. Makes follow-up visits of previously deficient facilities to ascertain compliance with criteria. Provides guidance to local public health nurses in regard to correct survey procedures. Participates in programs of health and educational departments or organizations such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, state agencies and universities, and nursing schools to plan, integrate, and coordinate services which promote and maintain quality patient care. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of the principles and practices of the disciplines providing services to patients and residents in health care facilities. *Knowledge of medical terminology. Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to licensure and certification of health facilities and operational programs. Abilities *Ability to understand and learn new material and responsibilities readily and expediently. *Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in the conduct, analysis and determination of compliance with state and federal regulations and administrative guidelines. *Ability to ascertain facts by personal contact, records inspection, and observation. *Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional and administrative officials and employees. *Ability to express ideas effectively, orally and in writing. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Registered Nurse licensed to practice in Kansas, Social Worker licensed to practice in Kansas, or Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services. Experience may be substituted for the required education as determined relevant by the agency for the positions that do not require a license. Necessary Special Requirements: NC: 06/93 |