Angela Buckley
Mount Washington,Kentucky
Summary
Veteran Director of Quality Assurance with multiple years of experience leading inspection and validation efforts for healthcare systems. Equally comfortable overseeing massive team efforts or going hands-on to serve critical client representatives. Dedicated to maintaining both superlative final release quality and excellent employee morale.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Quality and Patient Safety
UL South
12.2023 - 03.2024
- Provided oversight for new hospital construction, including CMS, OIG, and TJC approvals.
- Interprets broad-scope organizational change for staff and develops change strategies for successful implementation
- Prepares and delivers reports to operational leadership outlining progress toward meeting annual goals and objectives, including performance related to finance, clinical activity, quality, safety, marketing, and human resources
- Continually assesses all services, identifies problems, and utilizes data to analyze and propose innovative approaches
- Engages staff and other stakeholders in continuous improvement of systems and processes: manages resources for staff participation in improvement work activities
- Remains current with new trends and best practices and incorporates into Quality - Patient Safety practices and programs, articulates and enforces standards for quality/safe patient care
- Ensures development of Quality - Patient Safety initiatives to improve patient satisfaction, as well as staff and patient safety
- Demonstrates achievable and measurable results and develops action plans for improvement initiatives, monitors, and enforces regulatory requirements
- Provides oversight to complex interdepartmental and interdisciplinary relationships to assure collaboration and effective/efficient operations within Quality - Patient Safety
- Ensures integration of ethical standards and core values into everyday work activities.
- Conducted root cause analysis for patient safety and implemented corrective actions, resulting in reduced return rates and increased customer satisfaction.
- Spearheaded Six Sigma initiatives across multiple departments, measurably improving process efficiencies throughout the organization.
- Managed external audits, maintaining compliance with industry regulations and achieving certification renewals without interruptions.
- Evaluated new technologies for potential integration into existing systems, enhancing data collection capabilities that supported informed decision-making processes around quality control measures.
- Established clear performance metrics, monitoring progress to ensure continuous product quality and customer satisfaction improvement.
- Ensures adherence to Joint Commission standards throughout all processes, which reinforces a facility-wide commitment to quality excellence.
- Leads cross-functional teams to develop and execute comprehensive quality assurance plans for products and services.
- Enhanced customer complaint resolution processes, expediting response times and boosting overall satisfaction scores.
- Built strong partnerships with key stakeholders, enabling increased collaboration on problem-solving efforts and overall process improvements.
- Reviewed technical documentation for accuracy and completeness, reducing potential errors in product specifications or assembly instructions.
- Streamlined internal audit procedures by developing standardized templates for reporting findings efficiently and consistently.
- Developed training programs that enhanced employees'' understanding of quality standards, improving production accuracy and efficiency.
- Directs risk assessment activities during all development phases to prevent potential issues from escalating into costly recalls or lawsuits.
- Authored documentation for internal use by QA personnel, setting guidelines for review activities and reporting requirements.
- Established and oversaw a facility-wide Quality Management System (QMS), maintaining compliance with Joint Commission Standards and enhancing internal outcomes.
- Interfaced directly with high-level executives within client companies, addressing concerns and correcting perceived faults to maintain smooth customer relationships.
- Monitored staff organization and suggested improvements to daily functionality.
- Scheduled and chaired quality review meetings to review the effectiveness of performance mitigating risk, improving throughput, and achieving customer satisfaction.
Manager, Risk Management
Robley Rex VA Medical Center
02.2022 - 12.2023
- Coordinates and administers risk identification, investigation, and education to monitor risk functions and perform risk surveys to assess loss potential
- Performs investigations and responds to incidents/events, potential claims, and grievances presented against caregivers, physicians, and the organization for liability and damages
- Ensures collaboration and mitigation of risk against liability and casualty loss
- Supports the work of the Complaint/Grievance Management program required by The Joint Commission
- Provides clinical risk management guidance in safety stops including disclosure of unanticipated events
- Analyzes variance data trends and reports findings related to risk strategies
- Participates in the development of processes/systems designed to share and recognize performance improvements and compliance across the organization to mitigate risks to patient and caregiver safety/risks to the organization
- Reviews events and complaints that pose organizational risks requiring attention and investigation and develops appropriate responses in conjunction with the Executive Leadership and PR departments
- Participates in activities designed to reduce risk exposure and improve the quality and safety of patient care (e.g., Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and quality improvement teams.) Facilitates Risk Assessments as needed to proactively identify and evaluate areas of risk
- Works with Safety, Procurement, Clinical engineering, and Clinical Operations to identify medical device and equipment failures for purposes of improving organizational risk, patient safety, and reporting.
- Conducts investigations and analysis of the potential and actual property, auto, cyber, general, and professional liability claims filed against the facilities, employees, and medical staff in conjunction with the legal department to include the Office of General Counsel, and the Office of the Attorney General.
- Utilizes clinical expertise to review related clinical information (e.g., medical records, relevant medical literature); conducts investigatory interviews with individuals involved, named parties, and/or other clinical experts
- Manages or participates in all aspects of the claims process which includes but is not limited to coordination of depositions; response to interrogatories; requests for production of evidence; ensuring documentation and data management.
- Conducted thorough due diligence on third-party vendors to mitigate supply chain risks.
- Facilitated communication between executive management and frontline employees, fostering a collaborative approach to managing organizational risks.
- Developed customized risk management solutions for clients in diverse industries, ensuring tailored approaches for maximum effectiveness.
- Provided training and mentorship to junior team members, enhancing their understanding of risk management principles and practices.
- Ensured regulatory compliance with diligent monitoring and reporting of risk exposure.
- Optimized allocation of resources by prioritizing high-impact risks based on rigorous quantitative analysis.
- Contributed to the continuous improvement of risk management policies, procedures, and tools through regular review and updates as needed.
- Drove process improvements across multiple departments by identifying areas of overlap or inefficiency between existing controls, ultimately reducing duplication efforts.
- Integrated enterprise-wide data sources for more informed decision-making regarding potential threats or opportunities facing the organization.
- Achieved operational efficiency by streamlining risk assessment processes and protocols.
- Collaborated with various departments to create a strong risk-aware culture, promoting accountability throughout the organization.
- Improved decision-making processes by providing key stakeholders with timely and accurate risk assessments.
Research Compliance Manager
Robley Rex VA Medical Center
07.2017 - 12.2023
- Assess compliance risks, identify root causes of compliance exceptions, and develop corrective action plans to ensure effective enterprise-wide internal controls are in place
- Develop presentation of reports, including auditing tools and any related documentation
- Assess, investigate, and resolve complex issues and compose concise written reports including, statistical data for communication to other areas of leadership to identify error trends and to determine appropriate training needs and suggest modifications to policies and procedures
- Assess and assure the quality of study data, clinical site monitoring, statistical support, plan development and analyses, and safety monitoring
- Provide regulatory support including FDA submissions and interface coordination, logistical support for Data Safety and Monitoring Boards and Medical Monitor Oversight reports, assists with reporting and publication, electronic information systems development, as well as includes helping to oversee the facility's clinical research management responsibilities
- Expert level of knowledge standards of human subjects protections for research studies
- Assist in the design of any new clinical study according to the study protocol as well as the recruitment projections (duration and speed of recruitment)
- Monitors closely the evolution of validated clinical study forecasts and shares them with the coordination, planning, packaging, and distribution teams
- Analyzes deviations, decides on corrective actions, controls readjustments, reports on the progress of studies, and validates milestones
- Accountable for medium, and long-term planning and global supply strategy for all clinical studies performed by R&D, Franchises, and subsidiaries
- Be a promoter of continuous improvement processes and guarantee the method, Respect and ensure all applicable good practices (GMP, GMPD, etc.) and Environmental, Health, and Safety rules through the protocol's procedures
- Provide guidance and counsel on incorporating compliance-related activities into the day-to-day operations of the Human Research Protection Program
- Ensure regulatory and policy updates are disseminated to investigators and research staff
- Perform ongoing monitoring of all areas of research compliance
- Analyze and evaluate on a quantitative and/or qualitative basis, the effectiveness of proposed standards, regulations, programs, and policies as they relate to compliance issues
- Develop a compliance training program, ensuring it meets regulatory requirements and ensures that it is completed by appropriate staff members
- Develop procedures and systems for establishing, operating, and assessing the effectiveness of compliance control systems and the accomplishment, evaluation, and/or monitoring of audits, inspections, or management of internal control reviews
- Coordinates the preparation for surveys and site visits.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of current and emerging compliance regulations.
- Responded to employee inquiries regarding compliance regulations and procedures.
- Developed and maintained a compliance database, tracking all compliance activities and documents.
- Prepared and submitted regulatory filings on time.
- Managed relationships with regulators, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure transparent operations.
- Assisted with internal and external audits to confirm compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Reviewed, revised, and updated compliance policies and procedures to confirm continual compliance with applicable laws.
- Investigated and documented all violations of compliance regulations to determine necessary improvements.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement through ongoing evaluation and refinement of compliance program elements.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address compliance concerns, fostering a culture of shared responsibility.
- Enhanced regulatory compliance by developing and implementing comprehensive policies and procedures.
- Spearheaded investigations into potential violations, promptly addressing issues to maintain company reputation and avoid sanctions.
- Provided expert guidance on complex regulatory matters, enabling informed decision-making within the organization.
- Advised senior management on strategic planning initiatives, incorporating compliance considerations into decision-making processes.
- Designed risk assessment frameworks to evaluate organizational vulnerabilities and prioritize areas requiring attention.
- Identified gaps in existing compliance processes and recommended updates.
- Kept informed regarding pending industry changes, trends, or best practices.
- Maintained composure in stressful situations, confrontations, interviews, and records searches.
- Warned violators of infractions or penalties.
- Advised clients on compliance fraud and investigations, as well as potential remedies and required actions.
- Managed compliance efforts, reporting and audits.
- Reviewed documents, files, transcripts, and other records to assess compliance and potential risk.
Accreditation Manager
Robley Rex VA Medical Center
01.2011 - 12.2023
- Manages all aspects of the healthcare facility accreditation program including the attainment and maintenance of Joint Commission (TJC) accreditation
- Review the Summary of Findings (SOF) documentation submitted by Surveyors to ensure accuracy and complete the review and deficiency report with appropriate services
- Coordinates with joint investigators and writes reports of findings.
- Perform daily, weekly, monthly, and/or quarterly quality reviews to support each function within the end-to-end process, at each service level to ensure the execution of clinical outcomes
- Collaborates with the Chief of Quality, Operational Supervisors, and Executive Leadership to support compliance with all corporate policies as well as all departmental and national quality/certification initiatives
- Extensive knowledge of licensure regulations, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and state/federal standards
- Identifies organization risk through trend analysis of incidents, reports, that require that a Root Cause Analysis investigation is conducted, to include assessing the need for focused review by departments, and or clinical chairpersons for peer reviews
- Spearheaded all aspects of ensuring organization-wide internal controls are established and functioning through assessment of compliance risks, identifying root causes of compliance, the exceptions, and developing and overseeing corrective action plans
- Claims, medical records, and processes including coding, clinical care, documentation, and health plan business regulation
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on special projects, study designs, protocol and procedure, supply management, and the health plan payment policies to garner intel required to evaluate issues and identify and facilitate solutions and recommendations
- Solves complex and unusual issues by conducting research and analysis as required to create a corrective action plan that provides justifications, charts, graphs, and statistical and narrative data to justify findings and recommendations
- Strong communication, verbal, written, and graphical skills
- Excellent computer skills to include multiple EMR platforms and Microsoft applications.
- Coordinated with external accrediting bodies, fostering positive relationships and ensuring timely submission of required reports.
- Assisted faculty members in developing measurable learning outcomes that aligned with both program-level objectives and accreditation expectations.
- Served as a subject matter expert on both regional and specialized accreditations within the organization.
- Enhanced accreditation processes by streamlining documentation and implementing efficient tracking systems.
- Managed the collection, analysis, and reporting of data related to accreditation standards, driving evidence-based decision-making.
- Prepared detailed progress reports for senior leadership outlining institutional achievements towards meeting established goals tied to specific accreditations.
- Supported academic departments in preparing their annual assessment reports while adhering to best practices outlined by accrediting institutions.
- Ensured consistent application of policies across departments by creating standardized procedures for all aspects of the accreditation process.
- Conducted thorough audits of departmental practices, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards.
- Streamlined workflows within the office by implementing new software solutions designed specifically for managing large-scale projects such as institutional self-studies or accreditation reviews.
- Developed training materials and led workshops for staff, increasing understanding of accreditation processes and standards.
- Coordinated the scheduling and logistics of site visits by external evaluators, ensuring a smooth review process for all parties involved.
- Evaluated program effectiveness using quantitative metrics, informing recommendations for curriculum enhancements aligned with accreditation standards.
- Facilitated communication between various stakeholders throughout the accreditation process including faculty, administration, and accrediting bodies.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the organization by highlighting the importance of accreditation standards in maintaining institutional excellence.
- Consulted with clients on best practices and served as project manager for all process improvements and regulatory initiatives.
Business Compliance Manager
Robley Rex VA Medical Center
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Assess compliance risks, identify root causes of compliance exceptions, and develop corrective action plans to ensure effective enterprise-wide internal controls are in place
- Understand internal Health Plan Departments (i.e., claims staff, customer service, Marketing, etc.) and external customers (i.e., Health System Internal Audit, Client Audit teams) to understand issues, identify solutions, and facilitate resolutions
- Assess, investigate, and resolve complex issues and compose concise written reports including, statistical data for communication to other areas of leadership
- Identify error trends to determine the appropriate training needs and suggest modifications to policies and procedures
- Review and analyze claims for Health Information Management systems (HIMS), medical records, and associated processes related to the appropriateness of coding, clinical care, documentation, and health plan business rule
- Analyze medical claims to understand and resolve claim referral issues through research and interaction with other Health Plan Departments, including Medical Management, Medical Directors, and various committees, to assist in developing new policies concerning future Health Plan payments
- Respond to fraud, waste, and abuse referrals and complete data analysis as related to the audits as assigned
- Complete monthly, quarterly, and yearly audits on multiple numbers of fiscal and business practices that affect hospital-wide initiatives
- Develop, initiate, maintain, and revise policies and procedures for the Compliance Programs' general operations and related activities to prevent illegal, unethical, or improper conduct
- Collaborates and coordinates compliance activities for all the departments to help influence the organization's mission of research, fiscal, and business practices
- High level of knowledge related to the standards of research and business regulatory compliance management, including design, data collection, and analysis.
- Managed compliance efforts, reporting and audits.
- Reduced risk exposure for the company by identifying and addressing areas of noncompliance.
Nurse Navigator
Robley Rex VA Medical Center
01.2015 - 07.2017
- Provide education and instructions to patients and schedule procedures as appropriate
- Timely access to procedures is critical for patient care and satisfaction
- Provides psychosocial support to staff, patients, and family
- Responsible for promoting effective health care services and acts as a liaison for patients
- Educate patients and families on disease processes, medical-surgical procedures, and other aspects of therapeutic regimens, including medications, and pain management techniques
- Recommend and implement changes to the medical unit regarding assignment delegation and prioritization regulating a higher standard of patient care
- Collaborate effectively with the interdisciplinary team of medical and healthcare professionals comprising a physician, nurse manager, dietician, social worker, occupational therapist, and physical therapist.
- Coordinated appropriate and efficient delivery of healthcare services to promote optimal outcomes by assessing and matching unmet needs with referrals and support services.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure seamless communication and continuity of care.
Charge Nurse Manager
Robley Rex VA Medical Center
08.2011 - 07.2015
- Provide education and instructions to patients and schedule procedures as appropriate
- Facilitates timely access to procedures
- Follows patients for post-op procedures
- Ensures all proper patient documentation/information is available for the medical team
- Provides psychosocial support to staff, patients, and family
- Responsible for promoting effective health care services and acts as a liaison for patients
- Provide pre-and post-operative nursing care for adult patients with musculoskeletal and orthopedic injuries
- Educate patients and families on disease processes, medical-surgical procedures, and other aspects of therapeutic regimens, including medications, and pain management techniques
- Administer oral, intramuscular, and subcutaneous medications
- Recommend and implement changes to the medical unit regarding assignment delegation and prioritization regulating a higher standard of patient care
- Oversee all aspects of patient care including safety and pain management consultation, pre-and post-operative procedures, administering of oral, intramuscular, and subcutaneous medications, and proper use instruction of braces, prosthetics, and orthopedic equipment
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary medical team to meet mandates of patient-centered healthcare.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
- Identified process improvements that led to reduced medication errors among the nursing staff.
Clinical Nursing Instructor
Sullivan University
10.2021 - 06.2023
- Instruct, educate, observe, and assist nursing students in hospital patient care and nursing processes using theory and evidence-based practice
- Prepare and administer weekly exams, assess progress, conduct course planning, and assist with study conflict resolution
- Create an inclusive learning environment that optimizes student success through collaborative mentoring with a positive leadership style
- Implemented innovative team building strategies to help nursing students' complete requirements and assist with patient care.
- Delivered information and valuable instructions to students during clinical rotations.
- Maintained open lines of communication with students, offering support and guidance throughout their educational journey.
- Developed and created clinical assignments to assess student skills.
- Oriented and provided instruction to students during clinical rotations.
- Trained students to identify signs of patient health deterioration and clinical equipment malfunction to promote achievement of course objectives.
- Created training materials and implemented instructional strategies to track student progress, ascertain skills and development and perform staff assessments.
- Coached underperforming students to help meet clinical objectives
- Contributed to program accreditation success through diligent preparation and adherence to nursing education standards.
- Served as a role model for professional behavior and ethical decision-making in the clinical environment.
- Continually sought opportunities for professional development, staying current with best practices in nursing education, and integrating new knowledge into classroom instruction.
- Enhanced student clinical skills by incorporating evidence-based practice and simulation techniques into lessons.
- Monitored the progress of each student and provided formal evaluation upon completion of clinical placements.
Legal Nurse Consultant
Veterans Affairs
01.2021 - 06.2021
- Provides healthcare consultations and technical advice by investigating malpractice claims, identifying, and locating witnesses and experts, and preparing case notes and summations for attorneys and other team members
- Provides risk-prevention methodologies to healthcare providers and other institutions
- Develops medical malpractice claims information by investigating hospital, nursing home, physician, and nursing negligence claims
- Provides unbiased opinions to determine the merits of legal or accreditation actions
- Provides medical records information by completing initial review and liability assessment, identifying health care providers, and preparing releases and letters to obtain complete medical records (including x-rays, charts, and billing information)
- Organizes, chronologically summarizes, analyzes, and indexes medical records and billings, and transcribes handwritten chart/record notes to prepare a timeline of events, and creates tables, charts, and graphs to illustrate data for use in the preparation of documents that are then reviewed by an expert advisory panel
- Review medical documents to identify, locate, and interview potential witnesses, including medical personnel
- Completes medical research needed in medical investigations and lawsuits by utilizing personal knowledge, experience, reference library, and the internet, defining and interpreting medical language and procedures, and medical hospital and/or office policies
- Maintains legal and accreditation compliance by adhering to policy positions concerning federal, state, and local regulations, and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations standards and anticipates emerging issues
- Improves quality of cases by studying, evaluating, and re-designing processes
- Updates professional knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, and participating in professional organizations.
- Facilitated the development of strategic litigation plans by performing a comprehensive assessment of each case's strengths and weaknesses.
- Prepared accurate cost projections for cases using detailed analysis of past expenses related to similar types of litigation.
- Increased the likelihood of positive case resolution through prompt identification of potential areas for settlement negotiations or alternative dispute resolution strategies.
- Streamlined litigation processes through meticulous organization and management of large volumes of medical documents.
- Maximized efficiency within legal teams by effectively managing caseloads and prioritizing tasks according to deadlines.
- Developed comprehensive knowledge of legal aspects affecting healthcare providers, contributing to more effective representation in court proceedings.
- Contributed to the effective defense of medical malpractice claims by identifying and refuting false allegations against healthcare professionals.
- Improved client satisfaction with thorough research into specific medical practices relevant to each case.
- Collaborated efficiently with multidisciplinary teams, including attorneys, paralegals, and healthcare professionals to achieve favorable case results.
- Reduced workload for legal team members by taking on tasks such as conducting medical literature reviews and analyzing health insurance claims data.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
Education
Master of Nursing-Executive Leadership -
Purdue Global University
Indianapolis06.2020
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
Spalding University
Louisville, KY11.2008
Associate in Business Administration -
Spalding University
Louisville, KY05.2008
Skills
- Quality Management Systems
- Corrective Action Planning
- Team Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Organizational Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Policy Reinforcement
- Continuous Improvement
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Strong Work Ethic
- Interpersonal Communication
- Decision-Making
- Critical Thinking
- Operational Excellence
Certification
- Kentucky Board of Nursing, Registered Nurse, 2009
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certified, Expires May 2026
- Basic Life Support, Expires May 2025
- Scholarship recipient Kentucky Board of Nursing, CHPQ Certification, Testing May 2024
Accomplishments
- Medical Star Employee of the Quarter, 2023
- Awards Ceremony Producer, 2019, National Veterans Wheelchair Games
- Special Emphasis Disability Coordinator, 2022
Timeline
Director of Quality and Patient Safety
UL South
12.2023 - 03.2024
Manager, Risk Management
Robley Rex VA Medical Center
02.2022 - 12.2023
Clinical Nursing Instructor
Sullivan University
10.2021 - 06.2023
Legal Nurse Consultant
Veterans Affairs
01.2021 - 06.2021
Research Compliance Manager
Robley Rex VA Medical Center
07.2017 - 12.2023
Business Compliance Manager
Robley Rex VA Medical Center
01.2017 - 01.2020
Nurse Navigator
Robley Rex VA Medical Center
01.2015 - 07.2017
Charge Nurse Manager
Robley Rex VA Medical Center
08.2011 - 07.2015
Accreditation Manager
Robley Rex VA Medical Center
01.2011 - 12.2023
Master of Nursing-Executive Leadership -
Purdue Global University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
Spalding University
Associate in Business Administration -
Spalding University