Deborah Hughes

• Review local processing instructions, and templates for Principal Investigators and other key project personnel who submit applications for review by the Institutional Review Board
• Provides additional training for staff on project submissions and system procedures.
• Experience with independent authority to advise, inform and instruct investigators research team personnel to insure required federal, state, and local laws and regulations are addressed appropriately in the research application.
• I have the skills to conduct reviews that create reports that summarize the results of Project administrative reviews. I have in-depth documentation that provides accurate research investigators requesting review and approval by the Institutional Review Board
• As a Program Analysis I assist in providing independent authority regarding conflict-of-interest declarations, that's drafted with a consent form templates, HIPPA authorization templates, information security management plan for complex research studies and project for completeness, accuracy and ensure compliance with local and federal policies and regulations.
• I assign primary and secondary reviewers correlating associated with the research project and the clinical expertise of the committee members ensuring the protection of human research participants is minimal to none
• I can review application packages to determine the appropriate type of review by the board. Analyzing completed submission and forwarding to appropriate committees based on type of submission requirements.
• Maintains and prepare electronic records of the IRB recommendations and final decisions regarding VA research.
• I prepare and submit ongoing new studies to the Research and Development Committee. Regularly attend institution review board meetings to present and clarify protocol implementation.
• As a Program Analyst I maintain and update federal regulations regarding research involving human subjects.
• Process, review, prioritize and forward "Adverse Event" submissions as submitted to ensure timely notification to appropriate reviewers and management, in accordance with applicable federal and VA regulations regarding patient safety.
• Conducts quality assurance reviews as directed.

• Delegated full authority and responsibility to exercise the Medical Center Director's prerogative in medical administrative matters and issues that may arise.
• Represents management in (non-policy making) administrative matters.
• Represents management in matters pertaining to the lawful retention of veterans in the VAMC.
• Maintains continuity of functions and provides full medical administrative support during other than normal tours of duty to clinical and administrative medical center staff.
• Responsible for achieving management objectives and supporting the decision of management in carrying out duties.
• Provides technical guidance necessary to meet procedural, legal, and administrative requirements relating to the care and treatment of patients to achieve optimum use of available resources.
• Processes administrative issues surrounding beneficiary death, seriously ill cases, elopements, suicides, assaults, deaths on arrival (DOAs), homicides, code blue, cost recovery matters, facility or community disasters, etc.
• Assisting in responding to emergencies determines priorities and nature of action to be taken.
• Assists with computer issues during non-business hours.
• Maintains good public and media relations as instructed and trained by the Public Affairs Officer until the designated employee arrives.
• Conducts analytical studies on operational processes, issue topics, or related special projects as assigned.
• Reviews data and information for trends, problem areas, and makes recommendations to management to resolve issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

.Assigning and evaluating the work of subordinate staff. Resolving complex problems to ensure patient services are met. Evaluating new products, equipment, and systems to make recommendations for improved operations and identifying educational or training needs.

Making final decisions on selections.

Evaluating performance and taking disciplinary action when necessary

. Responsible for extracting and analyzing data to provide reports in support of performance measures to senior management. managing or leading patient support staff in a clinic. This includes independently utilizing reference sources, decision-making, and empowering the team to collaborate and resolve problems within a complex systems environment.

. Plans and organizes work with general assistance from the Department Lead to meet local and VA-wide time frames to complete analysis requirements, reports, and special assignments and only refers to the non-routine and high technical problems supervisor. Manages the Department’s Complaints for Resolution Using the VCC process which includes contacting Veterans to follow up on concerns.

. Responsible for reporting backlogs, difficulties in meeting deadlines, uncooperative physicians, or difficulty in securing information from clinicians or the record. Work with Service Level Advocates as the front-line staff to resolve issues and resolve complex concerns the veterans may have, I identify Potential issues and suggest solutions My position as a Supervisor Serves as the Liaison for the department, facility, and staff, I work with Service Chiefs and Management to facilitate resolutions. I handle the patient’s perception of issues and complaints regarding wait time, drive time, and the veteran’s appointments. I maintain a strong relationship with the Veterans Service Organization I work to assist veterans in Identifying critical elements our department may have overlooked in clinical or administrative practices to set a more satisfactory atmosphere where change can be recommended. service concerning personnel-related matters. Assists the Adumbrative Officer as well as the Chief(s) of Service to ensure employees are compliant with established policies and programs; calls attention to problems that require HR office intervention or correction; provides advice on issues concerning federal and agency personnel processes and procedures and solving complex personnel related issues. Assists managers and staff in projecting staffing needs, writing position descriptions and/or functional statements, developing job analyses, preparing performance plans and appraisals/competencies, processing training requests, and drafting disciplinary and adverse actions. Coordinate's submission of performance reviews and proficiency reports. Maintains appropriate personnel files per facility/agency policy. Updates and maintains the service's organizational/functional, staffing charts and emergency call back lists: Ensures that performance ratings are submitted in a timely manner in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Works with HR providing direction, guidance and assistance with documentation and process to the Service supervisory staff in all disciplinary, accommodation, and EEO matters. Exercises HR responsibility by initiating requests for recruitment, complying with EEO objectives, and maintaining accurate and current functional descriptions and position descriptions. Reviews and evaluates completed staff actions for overall quality of the document, appropriate levels of coordination, consistency, logic, soundness of recommendations, and compliance with policy. Analyzes management plans to determine the impact on administrative process.

. Routinely communicates with physicians, case managers, and other allied health professional staff using sound interpersonal skills and is constantly aware of sensitive information. provide briefings, orientations, staff development, and training related to administrative functions in a patient support setting.

• Coordinating all contacts received by the VA medical facility during other than normal duty hours, serving in the capacity of AOD and as the administrative resource person for all contacts from staff, patients, and visitors Serving as the administrative authority during other than normal duty hours on all issues involving the enrollment and eligibility determination process. This administrative authority includes interviewing and counseling Veterans concerning the law and regulatory guidelines on their enrollment and eligibility for medical care benefits.
• Providing administrative guidance and advice to the Medical Officer of the Day (MOD) and other clinical staff concerning administrative matters necessary for the operation of the VA medical facility during other than normal duty hours. This may include facilitating patient transfers to and from VA and non-VA medical facilities. conduct interviews in person or by phone with veterans, representatives, and advocates to explain the full range of VA benefits and related programs.
• Delegated full authority of the Chief, HAS/MAS for administrative activities occurring during irregular tours. Coordinates the resolution of metrological problems concerning the medical center.
• Ensure that appropriate legal, regulatory, and policy requirements are met.
• Processes administrative issues surrounding beneficiary death, seriously ill cases, elopements, suicides, assaults, deaths on arrival (DOAs), homicides, code blue, cost recovery matters, facility or community disasters, etc.
• Determines the appropriateness of notifying the medical examiner of unusual deaths. When unusual circumstances occur determines actions to cancel clinics and appointments.
• Provides administrative authority, guidance, and advice to Medical Officer of the Day (MOD), Nursing Officer of the Day (NOD), and all other clinical staff concerning administrative matters necessary for the operation of the medical center during other than normal tours.
• Provides orientation and situational technical advice to physicians regarding VA policies and procedures.
• Assists medical center staff with medically related problems, including involuntary commitments, orders of protective custody, and management of unruly or severely disturbed patients. Determines service connection, percentage of disability, permanent and total disability, and entitlement to compensation, pension, burial, dependency indemnity compensation, special monthly compensation, and vocational, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion.
• Making determinations as to the eligibility for the type of benefit sought to include questions relating to adequacy of military service, medical evidence, and the evaluation of evidence of income, employability, dependence, and performing administrative matters as the MOD does for clinical matters, working as a team to carry out management responsibilities during other than regular working hours. Determining the eligibility for federal, state, or locally administered benefits, such as disability, education, housing, medical, and/or veterans' benefits; and
• Promotes harmonious working relationships among patients, the public, and staff.
• Directly intervenes when a problem regarding patient activity occurs, advising clinical staff of appropriate administrative action.
• Observes, evaluates, and coordinates administrative activities with IRMS, Engineering, Laboratory, Radiology, Nursing, and Environment Management personnel, among others.
• Coordinates non-routine contacts received at the medical center after regular operating hours.
• Receives and responds to non-routine patient condition inquiries and other administrative inquiries from concerned veterans, families, visitors, law enforcement officials, representatives from private hospitals, veterans service organization representatives, VA Central Office, Congressional offices, military personnel, private physicians, media, and the public. Request information from Veterans
• Responds to veterans' request and inquiries regarding benefits and assist patients with determining and understanding Claim denials or other evaluating process determinations percentages and ratings.
• Oversee determination of applicants' eligibility; obtaining income and insurance information for appropriate non connected applicants; counseling none service -connected veterans to determine their ability to defray costs of medical care elsewhere.
• Determines the extent of release of medical or social data from patients' records. Safeguards and ensures the rights of patients. Functions as Patient Representative/ombudsman during tour of duty.
• May collect belongings, funds, or other personal effects of patients for safekeeping in accordance with facility procedure.
• Maintains good public and media relations. Establishes and maintains liaison with the Public Affairs Officer, whenever applicable.
• Prepares daily Gains and Losses Sheets and other related statistical reports. Provides daily report/log of Maintains Seriously Ill roster, notifying next-of-kin, as appropriate. Records operative permits, when appropriate, and assists physicians. Provides a compassionate and sympathetic explanation of death and burial benefits to family and next-of-kin.
• Reviews data and information for trends, and problem areas, and makes recommendations to management to resolve issues.

• Assist the Chief and Assistant Chief, SPS, in the assignment of functions to team members in order to meet routine and unusual deadlines and priorities.
• Distributes and balances workload and tasks among employees in accordance with established workflow, job specialization, and/or capabilities of individuals.
• Lead Technician, responsible for filling in and distributing the workload to ensure a smooth workflow. Provide Guidance and technician directions to accomplish the work for the Unit.
• Ensures the timely accomplishment of assigned tasks.
• Registration Determined eligibility for certain benefits that included military services medical evidence, and evaluation of income relationships or dependents.
• Reviewed Service connection issues for admissions rules that governed the adjudication process.
• Revised the work schedule to meet anticipated and unanticipated changes in the workload.
• Assigns work to employees or assigns employees to positions. Explained to veterans or their representatives VA Benefits Publications and materials regarding service connection status.
• Assist with Correspondence as used by agencies including but not limited to State, Federal or Local
• Breaks out tasks as necessary to provide new employees with the experience and training required to perform the task. Assigns work, including overtime, disagreeable or choice tasks, etc., equitably among employees.
• Explains work requirements, methods, and procedures, as needed.
• Monitors status and progress of work and make day-to-day adjustments.
• Checks the cleaning, reprocessing, and distribution of technical medical equipment.
• Trains or arrangements for the training of team members.
• Monitors and reports on the status and progress of work.
• Failure with the [DEPP] Data processing system that decides about the severity of your disability based on the evidence submitted as part of your claim, or that VA obtains from your military records. That VA rates.
• Performs quality assurance inspections of instruments and equipment.
• Inspects to verify that all instrumentation is disassembled to the simplest form.
• Collects contaminated case carts and reusable medical equipment (RME) instruments from operating rooms. Processes contaminated rigid and flexible endoscopes. - Effectively processes and sterilizes a wide variety of instrumentation. Conduct Huddle Meetings using the High-Reliability Huddle Board which covers Safety, Methods, Supplies, Staffing, Improvement Ideas, Quick Hits, and Big Issues

• Participate in meetings and assist with training regarding departmental concerns.
• Performed duties related to the receipt, intake, and indexing of health and administrative information. experience assisting with Nurse on Duty and the Medical Office Director
• Served as a liaison for veterans, clinical/administrative staff, and others to ensure accordance with eligibility and enrollment activities relating directly and indirectly to the care and treatment of patients. I have experience with routine inquiries from Law enforcement, veterans’ Families, Other Medical Facilities Private Providers Direct Veterans and their families’ eligibility for dental and any axillary testing assist veterans with housing information Death Package information instructions on patients on how to locate educational training and indemnity compensation.
• Interacted face to face with the Veterans and the Veterans’ families as well as interface whether personal computer applications utilizing numerous Vista applications as well as Microsoft Office programs. I have aided veterans and their designated appointees in completing Medical Benefits Pao’s Established new outpatient records for eligible beneficiaries and completed all required forms and relevant data for each. I have assisted Veterans in securing Transportation to and from the VA Hospital as well as Lodging for Fisher House, and Contracted Hotel Stays I Advanced knowledge of medical terminology and a wide range of resources including housing information Death Package information instructions on patients on how to locate educational training and indemnity compensation.
• Skill in communicating with individuals to obtain the desired effect and coordinating with a variety of interdisciplinary care team staff. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and provide development and training. I’m able to manage staffing in an interdisciplinary setting, work priorities, and adjust the flow of work to meet team and patient needs. This includes the ability to follow up on pending issues while assisting on the Job assisting Leads and Supervisors with this Task. and demonstrate an understanding of the impact of interdisciplinary work across multiple clinics.
• Determined eligibility for beneficiary travel and prepared vouchers for payment.
• Evaluated requests for the release of information and obtained proper authorization for the clearance of sensitive information. I have knowledge as well as Contacting Descendant Affairs for Veterans
• Knowledge of discharge by encouraging and reassuring both patient and family members. Experience in Disaster Coworker Rosters
• Assisted Veterans with travel pay inquiries and assisted them with how to submit the travel request to ensure the correct amount of travel pay was requested.
• Compiled data for a variety of reports, using automated systems, and prepared releases of information for patients. Knowledge of compensation pension
• Managed Databases and maintained sensitive and confidential files in accordance with HIPAA regulations. Used advanced interpersonal skills to effectively understand patient/s needs, assess possible courses of action, and take appropriate measures to ensure patient satisfaction.
• Served as the coordinator of incoming calls, receiving a wide range of inquiries, utilizing administrative systems, practicing independent decision-making, coordinating care needs, scheduling appointments, and directing problem resolution as appropriate.
• Assisted with communicating needs regarding appointments, medication refills/renewals, and referring calls to the appropriate clinical or administrative personnel.
• Track discrepancies for each Social Worker encounter and notified them of the Decisions.
• Worked in a proficient and self-directed manner, setting priorities and coordinating work in accordance with established processes, policies, and regulations.
• Worked with a patient care team to effectively provide, manage, and support.
• Participated and provided input in problem-solving on operational issues or procedures in team meetings and administrative follow-up actions. explained the types of documents necessary to facilitate the timely processing of claims and assist with obtaining and completing such documents and forms in accordance with the type of claim being submitted.

• Schedule outpatient appointments at non-VA Clinics prepare necessary documents, correspondence, and authorizations aware of beneficial travel guidelines.
• Participation in local Committees, Groups, and Team Meetings
• Conferences with VA Health Care and non-VA Health Care regarding Specialty Car Appointments Serve as a point of contact for various VA facilities.
• And non-medical clinics whose contract with the travel office Serves as a point of contact for triage calls and callers’ needs for problems and Resolutions.
• Creates, Maintains, and Updates information in the databases to track and trend While utilizing Vista CPRS, and Excel to develop and compile reports Schedule outpatient appointments at non-VA Clinics and prepare necessary documents, correspondence, and authorizations aware of beneficial travel guidelines.
• Participates in local Committees, Groups Team Meetings
• Conferences with VA Health Care and non-VA Health Care regarding Specialty Car Appointments Schedule outpatient appointments at non-VA Clinics prepare necessary documents, and correspondence authorizations aware of beneficial travel guidelines.
• Participates in local Committees, Groups Team Meetings

• Responsible for maintaining the ordering of medical supplies.
• Validated cleaning of instrumentation and Reusable Medical Equipment (RME) by following Standard Operating Procedures and manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Cleaned instruments to prepare them for sterilization/examined supplies for defects or expiration.
• Work independently, exercising initiative and sound judgment in special assignments, emergencies unexpected situations.
• Monitored decontamination, cleaning, and sterilization processes.
• Maintained inventories and sterility of medical instruments and supplies.
• Performed leak tests on scopes to determine integrity, and initiate cleaning, and high-level disinfection process.
• Selected appropriate sterilization processes such as Steam Sterilization Ethylene Oxide for medical devices.
• Assisted in getting patients transported to various locations.
• Resolved customer inquiries with prompt service.
• Provided general information on products and services offered.
• Answered inbound calls in a friendly and courteous manner.
• Analyze claims to determine if diseases and/or injuries were incurred or aggravated by military service in the line of duty for purposes of compensation, treatment, or hospitalization.
• Determines service connection, percentage of disability, permanent and total disability, and entitlement to compensation, pension, burial, dependency indemnity compensation, special monthly compensation and vocational training, medical and dental treatment, automobiles, or other conveyances, insurance, specially adapted housing, dependent education allowances, and other ancillary benefits.

• Assists patients in understanding their rights, in addition to their responsibilities.
• Assist patients, their families and representatives, and facility staff members in recognizing and removing institutional barriers to the provision of optimum health care to patients.
• I have experience serving as the liaison between the facility, patients, staff, and the community to ensure Patient Rights and Responsibilities and advocacy services are available.
• Explains a variety of government laws, directives, and policies to individuals of varying levels of educational and cultural backgrounds.
• Presents patient issue data and patient inquiry trends at meetings and/or to committees.
• Resolves difficult and complex patient complaints.
• Participates in the resolution of system problems by presenting the patient's perspective of the problem and the desired resolution.
• Manages a patient-centered complaint resolution process to include complaint resolution, and data capture, and the Advocate must maintain the attitude of taking a negative experience and turning it into a positive, memorable experience for patients and employees. Lysis of issues/complaints to make system improvements.
• I explain numerous laws, directives, and policies are required to provide information to individuals representing various levels of educational and cultural backgrounds.
• Prepares reports to identify process improvement opportunities Interprets the Facility’s mission, policies, procedures, and available resources/services to the patient and presents the patient’s concerns, opinions, and needs to appropriate staff and management.
• Collects, analyzes, and evaluates patient complaint data. Provides a channel through which patients can seek solutions to problems, concerns, and unmet needs. Works with health care providers and administrative support staff in medical centers and community partners to prevent and resolve patient complaints.
• Interprets the Medical Center’s mission, policies, procedures, and available resources/services to the patient and presents the patient’s problems, opinions, and needs to appropriate staff and management.
• I currently work daily maneuvering r in CPRS and Vista and Vista Gui familiar with Patient Advocate Dashboard

• Reviewed explanation of benefits from various insurance companies regarding denials, and contractual agreements, racked and reported on outstanding claims and balances.
• Obtained patient information by answering telephone calls; and interviewing clients and authorized users to verify information and identity.
• Analyzed customer accounts to determine whether it is considered delinquent.
• Solved problems quickly and created resolutions that brought in revenue on a regular basis.
• Tracked past due balances and resolved discrepancies.
• Conducted all conversations in a clear, friendly, and professional manner.
• Made outbound collection calls to patients and insurance companies to obtain claim and payment status.

• Answer patient questions and direct them between clinics and departments.
• Explained processes and procedures to new patients and assisted them with paperwork.
• Verified insurance coverage and benefits.
• Answer multi-line telephone where the accurate taking of detailed messages was.
• Scheduled appointments, prepared medical charts, collected co-pays and submitted claims information.

• Wrapped trays, instrument packs, and sets.
• Followed OSHA, FDA and AAMI guidelines related to sterilization in compliance with administrative regulations.
• Supported surgical teams effectively by preparing instrument trays according to procedure requirements.
• Reduced risk of infections by maintaining a clean and sterile Cleaning: Instruments are thoroughly cleaned to remove all visible soil and debris.
• Decontamination: disinfection to eliminate microorganisms.
• Inspection: Instruments are checked for cleanliness, functionality, and any damage.
• Assembly: Instruments are assembled into sets or trays based on specific procedures.
• Sterilization: Instruments are subjected to a process autoclaving to kill all microorganisms, including spores.Perform quality assurance checks
• Storage and Distribution: Sterilized instruments are stored in a sterile environment and distributed to various departments within the healthcare facility within the processing area.
• Distributing and tracking instruments
• Performing quality assurance checks Medical Supply Technician for 1st and 3rd Shift QA and Inspected all instruments for Damages and ordered replacement Instruments Assist staff with Competency Performances and Standard Operating Procedures. Updated Policy Manuals and Visuals for New Instrument Scopes, Sterilizers, and Biological Instructions on Instrument Cleaning Responsible for decontamination, preparation, equipment storage, and issue of instrument trays, equipment, and supplies used by all service lines. Within TN Valley Health Care Responsible for Disassembling and separating inspecting all instruments and equipment for damages Ensuring that the removal of all contaminants blood, tissue, tape, fluids, by soaking, rinsing, wiping, scrubbing, and flushing manually or using a variety of decontamination equipment ultrasonic washer, washer/ decontamination and cart washer.
• Responsible for Inspecting and assembling surgical and specialty treatment trays along with sets used on the Med-Surg units, GU Clinic, ICU units, ENT Clinic, Podiatry, X-ray, Dental, etc.
• Arrange the instruments in the trays to protect the delicate and sharp tips, ensure that the instruments are unclamped, and place instruments in the tray according to likeness as noted on reference cards and count sheets.
• Responsible for Expecting to help train other Medical Supply Technicians in all processes of processing regarding instruments and supplies. For Dental Same Day Surgery Trays
• I am responsible for making sure that daily trips to the

• I interacted professionally with patients in person and via phone to coordinate appointments, gather and verify insurance information, and collect co-pays.
• Obtained referrals for admissions and scheduled follow-up appointments.
• Documented patient’s complaints or concerns for the supervisor’s review.
• Worked with primary care office and insurance companies to obtain authorizations.
• Reviewed, updated, and scanned patient records into the office database while ensuring continual accuracy.