JOB SUMMARY

The nurse practitioner provides routine care and management of the patient with acute and chronic complaints, in collaboration with the supervising physician and through implementation of standardized procedures. Specific functions pertaining to HHA are established by the nurse practitioner and the supervising physician(s), and approved by the appropriate medical and nursing administrators, and HHA’s Board of Directors.

SUPERVISION

Supervision is provided by the Medical Director. In his/her absence, supervision will be provided by another physician designated by the supervising physician. Standardized procedures, approved by the supervising physician(s) and the appropriate medical and nursing administrators, are a mandatory mechanism of supervision. Other mechanisms of supervision used may be:

• Direct on-site or phone supervision by a supervising physician.
• Review and co-signature of written medical records within 14 days.
• Chart screens on random charts by the supervising physician or designee.
• Chart audits on random charts as an integral part of HHA’s compliance programs.

The nurse practitioner will receive an annual formal performance evaluation by the supervising physician or his/her delegate, with input from the other supervising physician(s).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

In accordance with HHA’s written standardized procedures and protocols jointly developed with Employee’s supervising physician, Employee shall:

• Reports directly to the Hospitalist Medical Director
• Assists in developing the policies, clinical protocols, forms, reports, and records for the hospitalist’s program and any other communication/reporting required by the hospital and HHA
• Foster a close relationship with the Emergency Department providers and administrative staff and ensure that patients presented for admission meet admission criteria and be available for ER consults as needed
• Educate patients on wellness, prevention and early detection by providing materials and resources to the patients and their families.
• Determine which referrals are required based upon examination and patient needs.
• Determine level of urgency of follow-up referral consultation appointments.
• Exercises final medical judgment in all issues of healthcare.
• Prescribes medical treatment and clinical drugs to patients.
• Order studies, tests and ancillary services.
• Documents all services in patient medical record.
• Completes all progress notes, history and physicals, and discharge summaries by 11:59pm on the date of service.
• Reviews, makes medical judgments and signs (if required) all consult notes, laboratory, diagnostic, ancillary, Pharmacy, Health Risk Assessment, Home Health, Durable Medical Equipment data/requests before the beginning of the following day, from the day of which the request was placed in the clinician’s queue.
• Returns all patient telephone calls by the end of the day on which the call was made.
• Reviews on a regular basis cases that require ongoing medical attention with HHA Case Management/Acute Care Program.
• Participates in quality improvement management, continuing education, and other patient care programs established by HHA or clinical requirements.
• Oversees mid-level medical staff as assigned as well as nursing clinical staff.
• Assists in resolution of complaints, requests and inquiries from patients.
• Maintains confidentiality of all patient information according to federal and state guidelines and regulations.
• Responsible for application of appropriate diagnostic and procedural codes (CPT, HCPCS and ICD-9 +/- ICD-10) to individual patient health records. Knowledge of national, state and payer specific regulations and policies pertaining to coding reimbursement.
• Initiates arrangements for hospital admissions and discharges and completes appropriate paperwork.
• Initiates contact with primary care physicians to inform of patient admission.
• Initiates contact with primary care physicians to inform of patient discharge.
• Recognizes and considers age and disease specific needs of patients as required by Hedis.
• Effectively communicates and interacts with patients, families, staff and members of the community from diverse backgrounds.
• Participates in patient retention and marketing activities as required.
• Participate as on-call provider as required.
• Accept, process, and provide authorization for Alternate Level of Care requests as required by HHA using MCG criteria and CMS requirements.
• Gain expertise in Millimen Criteria Guidelines (MCG) and perform front-end-review.
• Maintain core competencies as required by Hospital Bylaws.
• Consult in-network specialists to ensure continuity of care for the member.
• Coordinate discharge planning (follow-up appointments, Home Health requests, transitions of care)
• Perform inpatient assessments for alternate level of care requests.
• Provide coverage for the Hospitalist Transitional clinic on an as needed basis.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION

• Current RN licensure and current nurse practitioner designation in the State of Texas required.
• Certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) required.
• The nurse practitioner must have a current DEA number from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration for schedule II-V controlled substances. A nurse practitioner with six months or more experience shall have a DEA number within six months of hire date.
• Certification as a nurse practitioner by a nationally accredited nursing organization (e.g. American Academy of Nurse practitioners - AANP, American Nurses Credentialing Center — ANCC or any successor organizations) is preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrated ability to function both independently and in collaboration with other health care professionals.

JOB CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS

Exposure Risk to Blood-Borne Pathogens

Category 1: Tasks regularly involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues. The potential for spills or splashes or blood, body fluids or tissues exists in job-related tasks.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The work involves considerable physical exertion such as frequent lifting of patients and equipment, bending and stooping, and walking. The work environment involves moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working with risk of exposure to contagious disease, radiation or infection, or working with emotionally disturbed patients. Precautions are routine for nearly all situations. The employee may be required to use protective clothing or gear.