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9667
PATIENT ADVOCATE
Nature of Work
Under general supervision, performs full-journey advocacy
work in state-operated health care facilities to promote
compliance with the laws, rules and regulations governing patient
rights. Serves as liaison between the patient and the family
and/or community agency to ensure patient rights are upheld.
Performs related work as required.
Examples of Work
Monitors compliance with applicable federal and state
statutes, rules and regulations regarding patients' rights.
Monitors implementation of treatment as described in
patients' individualized treatment plans.
Acts as an intermediary between the facility and the patient.
Compiles and maintains detailed written records and reports
regarding patients' complaints.
Responds independently to referrals and complaints regarding
patients' rights.
Coordinates inquiries and investigations into allegations of
patient abuse, neglect or other patients' rights
violations.
Assists in referring patients to appropriate services (i.e.,
vocational rehabilitation, legal counsel, etc.) and
resources (i.e., Social Security, Medicaid, etc.).
Promotes the successful resolution of patient versus facility
conflicts, both formally and informally; resolution of such
complaints may require appealing decisions or actions which
have an adverse impact on the patient to the agency head
and beyond, if necessary.
Recommends new or the revision of patients' rights policies
and procedures.
Provides technical assistance and consultative services to
both staff and patients regarding compliance with patient
rights and recommends appropriate improvements in patient
care and treatment procedures.
Organizes and conducts educational programs explaining
patients' rights and their implications to patients and
staff.
Serves as liaison between the patients and other advocate
groups and individuals.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of professional advocacy/patients' rights methods,
practices and procedures.
Knowledge of applicable federal and state patients' rights,
(i.e., civil rights, human rights, etc.) legislation, rules
and regulations.
Knowledge of patients' rights policies and procedures of the
Department of Health and Human Resources.
Knowledge and understanding of legal issues relating to
patients' rights and the policies, procedures and practices
concerning the patient care and treatment.
Ability to interpret and apply the laws, rules and regulations
relating to patients' rights to a wide variety of health
care settings.
Ability to conduct personal interviews and investigations.
Ability to gather, organize, analyze and interpret information
and documentation in conducting patients' rights violation
inquiries or investigations.
Ability to prepare thorough and accurate reports of the result
of inquiries and investigations.
Ability to communicate effectively and establish effective
working relationships with staff, patients, family members,
patient advocacy groups, and the general public.
Ability to deal effectively with conflict and to pursue a
means of resolution.
Minimum Qualifications
[Top]
Training:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or
university with a major in social work, psychology,
sociology, nursing, or behavioral health field.
Experience:
One year of professional service in a health or
behavioral health institution.
Established: 8/20/92
Effective:
9/16/92