Admission Staff

Position Summary

Admission Staff obtain required information and admit residents in an efficient manner in accordance with established policies and procedures, and as directed by the Administrator.

Position Responsibilities

• Admission Staff oversees the in-patient/out-patient functions, bed assignments, and completion of preliminary paperwork for entering patients. Responsibilities of the Admission Staff include (but are not limited to):
• Promotes and maintains a focus of patient-centered care
• Adheres to laws, rules & regulations and practices ethical integrity and interpersonal skills
• Maintains compliance with long-term care regulations including federal, state and health regulations
• Responsible to the Administrator for the overall efficiency and accuracy of the admission function and ensures this function aligns with resident rights
• Has strong abilities in enforcing laws, rules & regulations, ethical integrity and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations and ability to implement and maintain compliance with these regulations governing the facility and resident rights.
• Works with medical, nursing, and accounting staff to ensure appropriate patient placement
• Confirm that all insurance benefits coverage meets standards of admission as dictated by policy
• Assist in interviewing residents/guardians/sponsors, arbitration agreements (if applicable) and obtaining required admission information and signatures
• Assist with resident admission orientation program in accordance with established policies and procedures
• Admit and prepare identification records for residents in accordance with established policies and procedures 12. Maintain and accurate record of available beds
• Admit, transfer, and discharge residents in accordance with established policies and procedures
• Develop and maintain a good working rapport with inter-department personnel, as well as other departments within the facility and outside agencies
• Provide residents with admission information packet (e.g., resident rights, notice of privacy practices, admissions contract, arbitration agreement, etc.) Review as necessary for updates or revisions
• Obtain the resident/guardian’s signature on all required permits, releases, authorizations, etc.
• Maintain a current listing of all residents and assigned room numbers. Provide copies of such listing to nursing service, management, government agencies and personnel, etc., as necessary and in accordance with privacy rules
• Attach preadmission documentation to admission papers as appropriate
• Perform administrative duties as necessary
• Assure that all work/assignment areas are clean and records, files, etc., are properly stored before leaving such areas on breaks, end of work day, etc.
• Collect, assemble, and check admission papers. Forward to appropriate departments
• Obtain the resident’s assigned room number. Place on all necessary admission documents
• Assist in developing procedures to ensure records are properly completed before filing
• Forward completed medical records to the Health Information/Medical Records Department as appropriate
• Maintain a record of authorized information taken from records in accordance with the facility’s established privacy policies and procedures
• Abstract information from records as authorized/required for insurance companies, Medicare, etc.
• Notify nursing service when the resident ahs arrived at the facility to assure that a member of the nursing staff escorts the resident to his/her assigned room
• Maintain various registries as directed. Establish and maintain resident master card file
• Review/explain the resident, and/or guardian, room rates, billing procedures visitors/guest privileges, restrictions, resident care procedures, etc.
• Notify nursing service and call for assistance, as necessary, if resident is disturbed/violent upon admission or if resident shows symptoms of infectious/communicable disease
• Refer admission problems to proper authority including the Administrator
• Maintain a resident waiting list in accordance with established policies and procedures
• Keep abreast of current Medicare/Medicaid regulations governing admission/discharge requirements of health care facilities
• Maintain daily and monthly census report as directed
• Assist the MDS staff in scheduling resident assessments
• Ensure appropriate reports are complete and submitted accurately and timely
• Perform position duties in a manner as to assure resident safety and rights are priority
• Adheres to the facility corporate compliance program and promotes the program in a positive and effective manner
• Performs other position-related duties as assigned, depending on assignment/shift setting

Other Responsibilities

• Follows facility OSHA safety rules and procedures
• Follows facility policies and procedures and adheres to federal and state regulations for long-term care
• Respects cultural and religious practices of patients
• Upholds HIPAA regulations
• Maintains a punctual and dependable attendance record

Position Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of (1) year LTC experience, preferred
• Federal, State, and MHI required credentials current and on file
• Cognitive skills as related to the position

Working Conditions

Because the nursing home provides round-the clock care, working hours may include days, nights, weekends and holidays. Admission Staff works in a climate controlled and well-lighted environment with a smoke-free policy. Works in an office and walks throughout the building daily. Has a low risk of exposure to infectious diseases, but receives training in handwashing practices and has access to personal protective equipment if direct exposure is anticipated. Is subject to interruptions, noise, and odors daily.

Physical Demands

• Long periods of sitting at a desk and working on computer. Prolonged periods of standing, bending, and reaching
• Lifting and carrying continuously. The ability to lift up to twenty (20) pounds occasionally. Assistance in moving, lifting or transferring of patients may involve lifting of up to fifty (50) pounds occasionally.
• Fine motor skills
• Visual acuity

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach forward with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift or move 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Physical Demand Ratings are an estimate of the overall strength requirements that are consider to be important for an average, successful work performance of a specific job. The overall physical demand rating for an Admission Staff falls within the medium classification (10 to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.