This position is located in the Health Information Management (HIM) section at the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System. The MRT (ROI) reviews and processes requests for patient protected health information (PHI). The MRT (ROI) also provides direct customer service to the Veteran (or third party), by providing copies of the Veteran's PHI, when a signed, written request is received, or upon the Veteran's valid authorization to a third party.

Duties

The MRT (ROI) must ensure that only the information that the Veteran specified be released, is shared only with those whom the Veteran has authorized, or who have legal authority to receive such information. To perform this task, a MRT (ROI) must possess expertise in all applicable Federal laws, rules, and regulations regarding release of health information. The major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Responsible for evaluating the adequacy of each completed authorization form. Screens each request for information to determine urgency and assures that most urgent requests are completed first using established priority systems. Personally greets Veterans/visitors and assists them in determining the exact nature of the request and whether the information requested can be released. Abstracts and processes medical releases' of information requests that pertain to public laws, rules, regulations and exclusions governing confidentiality of the medical record, including the Privacy Act of 1974, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); and 38 U.S.C. 7332, governing the release of records Contacting information regarding the treatment of or referral for drug and/or alcohol abuse, Sickle Cell Anemia and infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Compiles tort cases for the Regional Office. Requires extensive investigations to track down x-rays and medical records to compile a complete medical record. Contacts all VA's to have them make a CD of all of the photocopied/printed/written to electronic media information, including digital x-rays. All paper records are arranged in date order, numbered and several exact copies made for the Regional Office. All computer records are downloaded to a CD including documents in VistA Imaging. For cases going to trial, this may include additional updates and coordination with the US Attorney's Office. Requests for information from patient's medical records for release to appropriate facility, agency or physician. Processes Medical-Legal releases of information to attorneys and courts pertaining to Tort Feasor (Third Party Liability) Workman's Compensation, labor and Industries and subpoenas. Screens and follows through on all incoming telephone calls from attorneys, insurance representatives, regarding legal cases and requests under the Privacy Act, Referring only problem cases to the supervisor. Reviews and analyzes written and telephone requests to ascertain type of case to be developed. Develops and prepares cases for release to Regional Counsel and other appropriate parties. Contacts attorneys when necessary to obtain additional information necessary to develop the case. Maintains files for all Privacy Act requests and subpoena cases alphabetically for all cases being developed, processed or completed. Processes all incoming requests to the facility for Release of Information Evaluates validity of each request. Determines which information is to be released in compliance with existing laws (Privacy Act of 1974, FOIA and HIPAA) Ensures that proper authorization exists before the release is made. Processes the request to the requesting agency or individual. Inputs all requests into the ROI Plus computer package for logging and tracking of these requests. Receives and directs callers and visitors. Receives and/or gives out forms and assists visitors and/or callers with the completion of forms or documents. Responds to questions from patients concerning services. Provides advisory and technical assistance to patients, administrative staff and professional staff regarding release of information. Inquires vary widely and information given requires explanation of office functions, describing specific requirements, providing basic instructions, or a similar degree of detail. Searches records or files to compose responses, including electronic searches to retrieve and summarize hard-to-locate data. Locates materials that would verify information given. Reviews paper and computerized health records (i.e., scanned notes, reports, special tests, etc.) to identify material to be photocopied/printed/written to electronic media and released. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 07:30 am - 04:00 pm Telework: May be available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:56432-A, 56433-A, and 56434A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Experience and Education Experience. One year of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology and general understanding of health records. Six months of the required one year of creditable experience must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to perform MRT (ROI) work. OR, Education. An associate's degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with a major field of study in health information technology/health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management (e.g., courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, legal aspects of health care, and introduction to health records). OR, Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of creditable experience and education are qualifying towards meeting basic experience requirements. The following experience and educational/training substitutions are appropriate for combining education and creditable experience: (a) Six months of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, privacy and release of information, the health record, and one year above high school with a minimum of six semester hours of health information technology/health information management courses.(b) Six months of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, privacy and release of information, the health record, and successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service under close medical and professional supervision. The training program may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to six months of experience provided the training program included courses in anatomy and physiology, and health record techniques and procedures. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: In addition to the Basic Requirements listed above, to qualify for each applicable pay grade, candidates must meet the requirements listed below: GS-4 Experience or Education. None beyond basic requirements. GS-5 Experience and/or Education: a. Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; OR b. Education. Successful completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with a major field of study in health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 24 semester hours in health information technology/health information management (e.g., courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, legal aspects of health care, and introduction to health records).Experience and/or education must demonstrated the candidate possesses all the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to utilize health information technology and various office software products utilized in MRT (ROI) positions (e.g., the electronic health record, release of information systems, etc.). (b) Knowledge of health record documentation guidelines and processes for disclosing protected health information. (c) Ability to manage priorities and coordinate work in order to complete duties within required timeframes, and the ability to follow-up on pending issues. (d) Knowledge of policies, procedures, laws, and regulations governing privacy and release of information. (e) Ability to communicate with individuals from various backgrounds to obtain the desired effect or gaining information by establishing rapport. GS-6 Experience.One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5)Experience must demonstrate the candidate meets the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities KSAs: (a) Knowledge of the laws and regulations related to the authorization and disclosure of health information (e.g., Privacy Act, Freedom of Information Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and 38 U.S.C. § 7332, Confidentiality of Certain Medical Records). (b) Ability to apply health record documentation guidelines and processes to navigate efficiently through the paper and/or electronic health record to locate, assemble, and disclose protected health information. (c) Ability to apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations governing privacy and release of information to process requests for release of information. (d) Ability to research and solve difficult questions related to release of health information in an accurate and timely manner. Preferred Experience: Knowledge of the laws and regulations related to the authorization and disclosure of health information (e.g., Privacy Act, Freedom of Information Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and 38 U.S.C. § 7332, Confidentiality of Certain Medical Records). Ability to apply health record documentation guidelines and processes to navigate efficiently through the paper and/or electronic health record to locate, assemble, and disclose protected health information. Ability to apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations governing privacy and release of information to process requests for release of information. Ability to research and solve difficult questions related to release of health information in an accurate and timely manner Preferred experience: One year of experience with the release of information. References: VA Handbook 5005/123 December 10, 2019 PART II APPENDIX G58.The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-4 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. The work is primary sedentary, although some slight physical effort may be required. There may be some walking, standing, bending, lift 25 pounds and carrying of light items. Incumbent may be susceptible to eye strain from working long hours on a computer.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Eastern Colorado HCS Denver 13611 E. Colfax Ave Aurora, CO 80045 US
• Name: Sokhan York
• Phone: 801-584-1284 X3119
• Email: [email protected]