This position is located in the Health Information Management (HIM) Section of the Health Administration Service (HAS) at the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHS) Release of Information (ROI) technicians disclose health information in accordance with all laws and regulations governing authorization and disclosure of health information. ROI technicians interprets and analyzes laws and regulations related to the disclosure of health information.

Duties

Duties to include but not limited to the following: Primarily advisory and technical in nature. Incumbent is 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 fist using established priority systems. Greets veterans/visitors and assists them in determining the exact nature of the request and whether the information requested can be released. Applies public laws, rules, regulations and exclusions governing confidentiality of the medical record, including the Privacy Act, Freedom of Information Act and 38 U.S.C. 7332 governing the release of records containing information regarding the treatment of or referral for drug and/or alcohol abuse, Sickle Cell Anemia and infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Processes all incoming requests to the facility for Release of Information (ROI) along with information required by the VA Regional Office through the Automated Medical Information Exchange (AMIE), referring only problem cases to the Supervisor. Evaluates validity of each request. Determines which information is to be released in compliance with existing laws including Privacy Act of 1974, Freedom of Information Act, and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Receives and directs callers and visitors. Receives and/or gives out forms and assists visitors ad/or callers with the competition 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. 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 and written to electronic media and released. Composes responses to routine requests for release of patient information. Selects and compiles information from health records and prepares correspondence, typically using standard form or standard formats for letters. Ensures the information released is limited to what is specifically authorized and to the person or agency designated to receive it. Composes detailed explanations in response to correspondence received, arranging information into logical sequence and appropriate format and choosing appropriate words and expressions to convey the desired tone. Determines extent and tone of replies independently. Resolves conflicting or inconsistent information found on initial requests which involves dealing with patients and/or third parties to resolve discrepancies, sorting out errors and reconstructing past transactions, cases or events, as well as finding alternative sources of information. Replies to vague, incomplete, or ambiguous inquires by independently recognizing issues, topics or problems. Inquiries are usually presented by patients or third parties who are not sure what information they are looking for or do not know how to identify it by title. Finds alternative sources of information on which to base a reply when correspondent has provided sketchy or inaccurate information. Processes Social Security requests for health information using ROI software. Downloads VistA Imaging documents and ROI software documents onto a secure Network Drive. Accesses the secured Social Security Web page and uploads the documents to the Web portal. Transfers the confirmation codes to the ROI software package and closes the requests in both the ROI and Social Security packages. Completes and processes routine releases of information to other VA and Federal Agencies ad when requested, to patients and their families, insurance representatives, physicians, hospitals, and city and state health agencies. Processes Medical-Legal requests to attorneys and courts pertaining to Tort Feasor (Third Party Liability) Workman's Compensation, Labor and Industries and Subpoenas. Develops and prepares cases for release to Regional Counsel and other appropriate parties. Processing is completed according to VA directives and must be accomplished within established time standards. Accurately enters all requests into the ROI software with necessary information for each request for health information. Completes necessary transactions for deposit of money collected from subpoenas, legal fees, and processing fees for release of information to individuals and insurance companies. Work Schedule: Monday thru Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm PST Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 08017A 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 (1) 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, (2) 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). (Transcript Required) OR, (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of creditable experience and education are qualifying towards meeting basic experience requirements. (Transcript Required). The following experience and educational/training substitutions are appropriate for combining education and creditable experience: 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. 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). Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a MRT (ROI) on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/ registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. Employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: (1) Such employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure/certification/ registration may be reassigned, promoted, or demoted within the occupation, but will not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended, or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (3) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. Grade Determinations: GS 06 1. Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS 05). Creditable experience to include but not limited to the following: Receives and validates authorization forms and requests for information and prioritize requests according to policies and regulations. Utilizes various computer applications to track and release all authorized release of information requests. Processes and releases health information to authorized first- and third-party requestors. Initiates and maintains accounting of disclosure for all records disclosed from a Privacy Act system of records. Communicates with internal and external stakeholders to provide technical expertise regarding the release of information process. Ensures compliance with policies, procedures, laws, and regulations governing privacy and release of information. 2. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA). In addition to the experience above, he/she must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 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.). Knowledge of health record documentation guidelines and processes for disclosing protected health information. Ability to manage priorities and coordinate work in order to complete duties within required timeframes, and the ability to follow-up on pending issues. Knowledge of policies, procedures, laws, and regulations governing privacy and release of information. Ability to communicate with individuals from various backgrounds to obtain the desired effect or gaining information by establishing rapport. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/123 PART II APPENDIX G58 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 06. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Las Vegas VA Medical Center 6900 North Pecos Road North Las Vegas, NV 89086 US
• Name: Rosalee Rizo
• Phone: 303-202-8533
• Email: [email protected]