Chief Quality & Patient Safety Officer - Behavioral Health

Chief Quality & Patient Safety Officer - Behavioral Health | Summit Healthcare Mgmt | Franklin, Tennessee

About the Job:

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

The Senior Vice President (SVP) of Quality & Patient Safety provides executive leadership and is accountable for developing and implementing patient safety, clinical quality, and performance improvement strategies across all service lines. This role shapes the organization’s vision for high-reliability care, driving enterprise-wide initiatives that improve patient outcomes, reduce risk, and foster a culture of quality and patient safety. Operating within a matrixed environment, the SVP collaborates with executive and operational leadership to ensure the seamless integration of quality and patient safety priorities into daily clinical and operational practices. The SVP oversees the Vice President of Quality and Patient Safety - SUD and Vice President of Quality and Patient Safety - Acute and partners closely with clinical, regulatory, compliance, and operational teams to drive sustainable improvements and ensure organizational excellence.

Roles and Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for patient safety and quality outcomes aligned with the organization’s mission, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. 

• Develop, review, update internal clinical procedures, outcomes measurement, patient satisfaction, clinical/financial tools, and resources.  

• Work cross-functionally with clinical leaders, medical staff, risk management, compliance, and frontline teams to advance patient safety and quality initiatives. 

• Collaborate with executive and operational leaders to embed quality improvement initiatives into daily operations, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement. 

• Utilize data analytics to drive decision-making and transparency. 

• Works across technology and data teams to oversee the development, implementation, and tracking of key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and enhance patient safety, clinical quality, and operational effectiveness. 

• Establish and refine systems for timely and effective reporting, investigation, and response to patient safety incidents, ensuring lessons learned are embedded in operations. 

• Initiate and lead communications with regulatory agencies as appropriate. 

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and accreditation standards related to patient safety and quality, including The Joint Commission, CARF, CMS, and state licensure requirements. 

• Develop/maintain proficiency in regulatory requirements, including reporting and response to regulatory bodies.  

• Lead the development and delivery of training programs to promote a culture of safety, high reliability, and accountability across all levels of staff. 

• Build and mentor a high-performing quality and patient safety team, providing leadership, guidance, and professional development opportunities. 

• Oversees the performance of a matrixed team of quality and patient safety professionals to ensure implementation and ongoing monitoring of quality and compliance activities. 

• Monitor industry trends and emerging best practices in patient safety and quality, adapting and implementing evidence-based strategies across the organization. 

• Oversee implementation of policies, procedures, and practices as its related activities to maintain ethical and conduct standards. 

• Ensure proper facility reporting of violations or potential violations to duly authorized enforcement agencies as appropriate and/or required.