Magnolia Hospice Austin - Quality Mgmt/Quality Assurance Specialist

As a Quality Management/Quality Assurance Specialist at Magnolia Hospice, you will play a critical role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality care and services to our patients and their families. You will be responsible for implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving the agency's quality management system to comply with regulatory standards, optimize processes, and enhance patient satisfaction.

Responsibilities:

Quality Assurance:

• Develop, implement, and oversee quality assurance programs and initiatives in accordance with regulatory requirements.

• Conduct regular audits, reviews, and assessments of clinical documentation, patient records, and care plans to ensure compliance with established standards.

• Perform audits of patient charts to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to regulatory and agency-specific guidelines.

Collaboration with Clinical Management:

• Work closely with the clinical management team to identify areas for quality improvement in patient care delivery.

• Provide support and guidance to clinical staff regarding documentation standards, quality measures, and compliance requirements.

• Collaborate on developing and implementing strategies to enhance the overall quality of care and patient outcomes.

Scribing for Physicians during IDG Meetings:

• Act as a scribe during Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) meetings, accurately recording discussions, care plans, and decisions made by the attending physicians and team members.

• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of patient care discussions and interventions during IDG meetings.

• Assist physicians and team members in maintaining comprehensive, detailed patient records following IDG meetings.

Performance Improvement:

• Analyze data and trends related to patient care outcomes, satisfaction surveys, and other quality indicators.

• Facilitate performance improvement projects, utilizing data-driven methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

• Monitor the effectiveness of improvement initiatives and recommend adjustments as necessary.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Stay abreast of federal, state, and local regulations governing hospice care and ensure organizational compliance.

• Prepare for and participate in regulatory surveys, inspections, and audits, providing necessary documentation and support.

Training and Education:

• Develop and deliver training programs for staff on quality assurance protocols, documentation standards, and compliance requirements.

• Foster a quality and continuous improvement culture through education and engagement with team members.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Generate regular reports and presentations summarizing quality metrics, improvement initiatives, and outcomes for management and regulatory purposes.

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of quality assurance activities and outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, nursing, quality management, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Certification in quality management (e.g., Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality - CPHQ) is advantageous.
• Prior experience in quality assurance or performance improvement within a healthcare setting, preferably in hospice care.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and accreditation standards related to hospice services (e.g., Medicare, Joint Commission).
• Proficiency in data analysis, quality improvement methodologies, and use of relevant software/tools.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across interdisciplinary teams.
• Detail-oriented mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Note: This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.