This position presides within the Health Information Management (HIM) section at the Charles George VA Medical Center. Release of Information (ROI) technicians disclose health information in accordance with all laws and regulations governing authorization and disclosure of health information. This is considered the full performance level for ROI technician positions. ROI techs at this level apply, interpret, and analyze laws and regulations related to the disclosure of health information.

Duties

Duties include: The duties in this position are 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 first using established priority systems.Professionally 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 (FOIA) 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).The incumbent 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 (Privacy Act of 1974, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).Ensures that proper authorization exists before release is made. Processes the request to the requesting agency or individual. Inputs all requests into the ROI 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.Locates materials that would verify information given. Review's 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. Employee 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. Tour of Duty: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM Telework: May be authorized by management Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 637-1014FA

Requirements

Qualifications

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. English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in written and spoken English. 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: Medical Records Technician (ROI), GS-6Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Assignment. This is considered the journey level for MRT (ROI) positions. Employees at this level apply, interpret, and analyze laws and regulations related to the disclosure of health information. MRTs (ROI) are responsible for educating requestors on requirements for submitting requests for health information. They receive and validate authorization forms and requests for information and prioritize requests according to policies and regulations. They use various computer applications to track and release all authorized release of information requests. MRTs (ROI) process and release health information to authorized first- and third-party requestors. They initiate and maintain the accounting of disclosure for all records disclosed from a Privacy Act system of records. They communicate with internal and external stakeholders to provide technical expertise regarding the release of information process. They ensure compliance with policies, procedures, laws, and regulations governing privacy and release of information. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following 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. 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). Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service

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 Charles George VA Medical Center 1100 Tunnel Road Asheville, NC 28805 US
• Name: James Shehan
• Phone: 828-318-7370
• Email: [email protected]