JOB TITLE: CHIEF, DIVISION OF NURSING CARE FACILITIES, DOH

JOB CODE: 31990

DEFINITION: This is responsible professional and administrative work directing the Division of Nursing Care Facilities in the Department of Health (DOH).

The employee in this job plans, develops, coordinates, and evaluates the regulatory, certification, and licensure programs affecting all nursing care facilities statewide. Work involves directing surveying and inspection processes for the purpose of licensing nursing care facilities and certifying them in federal programs; directing complaint investigations; imposing sanctions on noncompliant nursing care facilities; recommending changes to legislation affecting nursing care facilities and implementing procedures for their regulation; evaluating health care trends and making recommendations for the improvement of division programs; and directing the development and implementation of field office policies to ensure the uniform interpretation of federal and state rules and regulations, and to inform staff and providers of changes to requirements. Work includes extensive contact with a variety of stakeholders to coordinate the application of sanctions and decertification proceedings against noncompliant nursing care facilities. Supervision is exercised over managerial and supervisory staff. Work is performed independently under the general direction of the bureau director and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and evaluation of program effectiveness.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Reviews and analyzes existing and proposed legislation and regulations affecting program operations and recommends and implements changes.

• Liaises with officials from the Department of Human Services and from the regional office of the federal Department of Health and Human Services to resolve problems impacting Medicare and Medicaid certification programs within the Commonwealth.

• Analyzes and interprets program data and implements practices to improve division performance.

• Oversees investigations and responses to sensitive and high-profile complaints from nursing care facility officials, the legislature, governmental agencies, patients, and other affected groups.

• Travels to field offices, nursing care facilities, and training sites to ensure compliance with regulations, guidelines, and standards.

• Directs investigations into facility compliance issues and recommends resolution, which can include banning admissions, applying civil penalties, or terminating a facility's license or its participation in federal programs.

• Promotes understanding and support for program goals through contact with nursing care facility and consumer organizations, ombudsman programs, and the public.

• Evaluates staff training needs, identifies federal and state training programs to meet those needs, directs the development of new training programs, and ensures that staff receive necessary training.

• Grants or denies exceptions to licensure regulations.

• Recommends termination of certifications when conditions of participation are not met.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and developments in the regulation and certification of health care facilities.

• Knowledge of the laws and regulations governing the licensure, certification, and operation of health care facilities.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to analyze and interpret legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to analyze and interpret written information.

• Ability to analyze and interpret numerical information.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year as a Regional Nursing Home Field Services Manager (Commonwealth title);

or

• Six years of professional experience in health facility licensure and certification that includes three years of supervisory experience, and a bachelor's degree;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes three years of professional supervisory experience in health facility licensure and certification.