Jacqueline Lazzaro
Kokomo,IN
Summary
Dynamic executive with over 20 years of experience in the medical field, including more than a decade in leadership roles within behavioral health and addiction treatment. Expertise includes clinical operations, compliance, human resources, and program administration, ensuring a comprehensive approach to organizational success. Proven track record of meeting and exceeding regulatory standards set by DHCS, DMHA, HHSC, CARF, and The Joint Commission, while consistently fostering efficient and compassionate treatment environments. Committed to leading teams that drive quality improvement and cultivate trusted relationships, ultimately enhancing client recovery outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
First City Recovery Center
02.2021 - Current
- Provide executive leadership across Detox, RTC, PHP, IOP, and programs, overseeing all operational, clinical, and administrative departments.
- Ensure continuous compliance with Joint Commission (TJC), DMHA 440 IAC 4.4, CMS, state, and payer-specific documentation requirements.
- Oversee all licensing and accreditation activities, including state renewals, Joint Commission preparation, and CLIA Waiver compliance.
- Coordinate with external agencies, health departments, and payors to maintain up-to-date facility certifications, inspections, and corrective action plans.
- Manage credentialing processes for all providers and licensed staff, ensuring files are accurate, verified, and meet payer and regulatory standards.
- Direct Utilization Review operations, tracking trends, unused days, and payer outcomes to improve authorization management and reimbursement integrity.
- Conduct ongoing chart audits across departments to ensure documentation accuracy, completeness, and compliance with medical necessity and coding standards.
- Oversee eRx and MAR workflows, ensuring all nursing and provider orders are entered correctly and reconciled within regulatory timelines.
- Collaborate with UR and clinical leadership to maintain payer-ready documentation for fax, portal, and call reviews.
- Coordinate all step-up and step-down transitions, confirming documentation and authorizations are properly completed and communicated.
- Developed and implemented the Red Flag Review Process to proactively identify compliance risks and prevent claim denials.
- Ensure verified VOBs in KIPU for all clients and maintain real-time census tracking through a custom Daily Census and Operations Dashboard.
- Supervise nursing and departmental schedules to maintain continuous coverage, compliance, and operational efficiency.
- Oversee department heads through daily communication, aligning care, compliance, and operational priorities across sites.
- Ensure attendance, billing, and census records are accurate, complete, and compliant for financial reporting and payer audits.
- Develop, distribute, and present data-driven reports tracking utilization, admissions, discharges, satisfaction, and outcomes.
- Design and oversee client survey programs (admission, discharge, satisfaction), compiling results for Quality Improvement and Performance Outcome reports.
- Lead and participate in monthly Quality, Risk, and Compliance meetings, reviewing UR data, outcomes, and payer trends.
- Supervise and audit provider documentation, ensuring clinical quality and adherence to protocols.
- Created and oversee UA Report Card and Weekly UA Audit Processes, enhancing accuracy and accountability in toxicology reporting.
- Oversee program-specific performance reports (e.g., Chrysler clients) in collaboration with the Senior Case Manager.
- Serve as primary point of contact for state licensing, health department, fire marshal, and payer inspections.
- Maintain ongoing collaboration with billing, UR, and credentialing departments to align compliance, documentation, and reimbursement processes.
- Uphold the facility’s mission, compliance culture, and operational excellence through proactive leadership, communication, and accountability.
Director of Compliance
Capo By The Sea Drug And Alcohol Treatment
10.2015 - 11.2020
- Evaluated compliance reports, investigations, and potential compliance violations to address irregularities.
- Developed risk management strategies based on an assessment of product and operational risks.
- Maintained documentation of compliance activities such as complaints received and investigation outcomes.
- Reported compliance or regulatory standards violations to duly authorized enforcement agencies as appropriate or required.
- Provided employee training on compliance-related topics, policies, and procedures.
- Identified suspected violations and coordinated follow-up reviews, audits, or investigations.
- Coordinated reporting procedures to meet mandatory reporting requirements for identified violations.
- Discussed expected compliance changes with management and staff to keep them informed about important updates to practices, policies, and control systems.
- Checked physical attributes such as visual acuity as part of the comprehensive licensing process.
- Interviewed, hired, and trained all employees and scheduled work hours.
- Defined and clarified short-term and long-term strategic goals to meet business objectives by conducting feasibility studies and decision-making processes.
- Maintained accurate records of patients' histories, progress, and services delivered.
- Maintained good working relationship with co-workers and management.
- Monitored patients to quickly identify issues with their physical or emotional wellbeing.
- Supported the facility's patients through compassionate teaching and counseling.
- Worked with doctors, psychologists and rehabilitation therapists to help patients return to their communities.
- Observed and documented the behaviors and conditions of the patients under care.
- Made and documented all appropriate referrals to support services such as community mental health services, support groups, and case management.
- Oversaw house schedules, programs, and daily routines.
- Ensured residents acted in safe, age-appropriate way by setting limits for individuals and groups.
- Completed patient intakes, including collecting data and performing initial assessments.
- Planned menus, performed housekeeping, shopped, and cooked meals.
- Advocated for clients to obtain new services and coordinated the necessary referrals.
- Maintained case notes and documented critical incidents.
- Provided culturally competent services, working with persons with diverse backgrounds.
CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT
South County Orthopedic Specialist
05.2013 - 10.2018
- Assisted patients and worked directly with doctors to help patients with active rehabilitation therapies.
- Ensured all tools and equipment used for testing or collecting samples were adequately sanitized and sterilized in compliance with OSHA standards for lab processing.
- Assisted with basic care such as removing sutures, giving injections, and collecting tissue or blood samples.
- Prepared specimens for outside lab testing, as ordered by the physicians.
- Worked with pharmacy staff to authorize drug refills and relay prescription information.
- Prepared patients for examinations, procedures, and treatments.
- Administered injections and medications, dressed wounds, and collected lab specimens for tests.
- Supported front office operations, including billing, invoicing, scheduling, patient check-in, and check out, procedures tracking, reporting, and insurance verification.
- Supported patient care by conducting new patient intake, educating patients on prescribed exercises and various therapeutic activities, and implementing passive treatments.
CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Memorial Care Medical Group
02.2011 - 05.2013
- Used standard medical procedures to collect specimens from patients.
- Inspected and tested equipment regularly to verify safe functioning.
- Helped prepare rooms by cleaning surfaces and stocking supplies.
- Cared for endoscopy equipment used at Memorial Care Costa Mesa facility with regular upkeep and maintenance.
- Cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized endoscopes for patient protection.
- Positioned and transported patients on medical team orders as part of treatment strategies.
- Calibrated scopes and instruments according to manufacturer recommendations to continue obtaining precise results.
- Restocked supplies, cleaned surfaces, and disinfected equipment to prepare rooms for endoscopic procedures.
- Conducted regular checks to verify proper equipment functioning and safety.
- Placed devices such as blood pressure cuffs and pulse oximeter sensors to monitor and document vital signs.
CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Newport Children’s Medical Group
10.2005 - 04.2011
- Measured vital signs, including pulse rate, temperature, blood pressure, weight, and height.
- Prepared treatment rooms for patient examinations.
- Decreased waste of supplies by implementing inventory management checklists.
- Maintained and updated patient information and vital signs in electronic medical records or hospital databases.
- Administered injections and medications, dressed wounds, and collected lab specimens for tests.
Education
No Degree - Nursing
Stanbridge University
Irvine, CASkills
- Regulatory Compliance (DHCS, DMHA, HHSC, CMS, TJC)
- Licensing & Credentialing
- Program Leadership (Detox, RTC, PHP, IOP, OP)
- Policy & Procedure Development
- Accreditation & Audit Readiness
- Quality Assurance & Data Reporting
- Staff Training & Development
- Risk & Performance Management
- Operational Oversight
- Client Satisfaction & Program Outcomes
- Strategic Planning
- Community & Payer Relations
- KIPU EHR Implementation & Workflow Optimization
- Communication & Team Leadership
- Operations oversight
- Industry expertise
- Outcome Measurement
Timeline
Executive Director
First City Recovery Center
02.2021 - Current
Director of Compliance
Capo By The Sea Drug And Alcohol Treatment
10.2015 - 11.2020
CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT
South County Orthopedic Specialist
05.2013 - 10.2018
CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Memorial Care Medical Group
02.2011 - 05.2013
CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Newport Children’s Medical Group
10.2005 - 04.2011
No Degree - Nursing
Stanbridge University