Registered Nurse Health Care Facility Surveyor-Acute and Continuing Care

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Bureau of Health Care Safety and Quality, Division of Health Care Facilities Licensure and Certification (DHCFLC) is seeking a Registered Nurse (RNs) to monitor and evaluate health care services provided at Department regulated health care facilities and programs; determine quality of patient care and compliance with applicable laws and regulations; conduct comprehensive statewide certification surveys, investigations and inspections of health care facilities; and investigate complaints received by the Department relating to patient care and patient  rights.  

The ideal candidate will have experience working in an acute care health care setting as well as an understanding of regulations and policies that apply to health care facilities in Massachusetts. The candidate will need access to reliable transportation as this position surveys facilities statewide with travel into the Division’s main office in Marlborough occasionally required.  

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
•    Inspects hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, home health agencies, facilities for the care and well -being of sick or elderly patients, or other medical or nursing facilities statewide for compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. 

•    Conducts complaint investigations and recertification surveys of health care facilities and services to determine if services are being provided to patients, clients, and residents, in compliance with regulations for certification, state licensure, state, and federal laws.

•    Assists in reviewing and prioritizing complaints to ensure immediate action in situations where patient health and safety is involved. 

•    Documents findings in investigation reports or by identifying evidence gathered to support final determinations. Documents deficient practice in a statement of deficiencies.

•    Evaluates regulatory compliance and effectiveness of services in health care facilities, including infection prevention practices. Applies findings to the planning and development of future programs for such facilities and services. 

•    Provides technical assistance and consultation to health care facilities regarding regulatory compliance.

•    Acts as consultant to licensee in interpreting federal and state laws and departmental rules and regulations for the care of patients.

•    Assists in planning new facilities or in the remodeling of existing facilities and advises on new equipment for improved care of patients.

•    Acts as consultant in assisting facilities to coordinate their activities with available local health services.

•    Conducts after hours on-site monitoring of problem facilities/services to assure the health and safety of patients in the event of emergencies (e.g., fires, power failure) 

Required Qualifications:
•    Awareness of the principles and practices of nursing. 
•    Knowledge of the types and symptoms of mental and/or emotional disorders. 
•    Experienced with the problems in providing nursing services to special client groups as the mentally, physically and/or emotionally handicapped. 
•    Knowledge of the standard nursing methods and techniques followed in the administration of medication and application of medical and/or surgical dressings. 
•    Knowledge of the standard methods and techniques followed in medical laboratory tests.
•    Practiced in the techniques fol