Kern Medical Center is a 222 bed acute care teaching hospital. The Medical Center serves a community of approximately 650,000, and the hospital is owned and operated by the County of Kern.
Under general direction designs, coordinates and maintains a risk management program including administration of the risk management program on a day-to-day basis, coordination of insurance coverage and risk financing of the hospital and activities leading to the efficient management, resolution and minimizing various professional and general liability claims made against Kern Medical Center. The office of the County Counsel or private counsel, as required, shall provide technical and legal advice relating to specific issues.Distinguishing Characteristics:This classification is responsible for the overall management, monitoring and resolution of a variety of claims and complaints filed against Kern Medical Center. Incumbents perform tasks with an emphasis on compliance with Joint Commission risk management standards, such as Environment of Care, and conformance with the requirements of other regulatory bodies. The incumbents may personally conduct and direct investigations and may employ outside resources, with management’s approval, to accomplish tasks in the assigned area of responsibility.Essential Functions:• Manages, coordinates and maintains Kern Medical Center’s investigations andresponses to claims received ; reviews occurrence reports and adheres to thehospital’s Risk Management Policy and Procedures• Analyzes and takes corrective and preventive measures relating to the frequencyand severity of injuries and/or loss to patients, hospital visitors and staff; identifiespotential exposure related to patient care and general safety throughout the hospitaland satellite locations• Implements a comprehensive system of accident reports which comply with OSHArequirements, identifies behavior patterns and sites associated with accidents andidentifies physical and environmental conditions associated with accidents• Evaluates complaints and claims and formulates appropriate response andinvestigative strategies; interviews witnesses, claimants and others to gatherinformation and evidence; obtains and coordinates the activities of investigators,counsel and other support personnel as needed• Obtains and analyzes medical records, pertinent laws, rules and regulations andapplies them to cases and investigations; appears in hearings as departmentalrepresentative as required• Determines types of data to be collected in order to assess risks to the hospital;compiles data utilizing established formats; recommends to hospital managementperformance improvement activities based on data analysis• Initiates and participates in risk management education, training and risk preventionthrough employee health programs, orientation, and patient satisfaction surveys;• Minimizes and transfers risk through regular evaluations of insurance needs,requirements of malpractice for physicians, other clinical professionals and alliedhealth care professionalsEmployment Standards:An Associates of Arts degree in Nursing from an accredited college and currentlicensure by the State of California as a Registered Nurse and three (3) years health care quality assurance, medical malpractice or general claims resolution experience.ORA Bachelors degree in Nursing from an accredited college or university and current licensure by the State of California as a Registered Nurse and one (1) year health care quality assurance, medical malpractice or general claims resolutions experience.Knowledge of: the principles and practices of risk management and investigative techniques; accident prevention and loss techniques; medical and insurance terminology used in the legal field regarding industrial cases; clerical and record keeping procedures; office methods and procedures; proper English usage and grammar.Ability to: analyze and interpret laws, ordinances and regulations; accumulate and analyze data; prepare clear, concise comprehensive reports and recommendations; introduce and carry out accident prevention programs; ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels; communicate effectively orally and in writing; follow oral and written instructions; initiate, plan, and complete work assignments with a minimum of direction and control.