Lynn Smith
Franklin
Summary
Regulatory compliance professional with extensive experience in ensuring adherence to industry standards and governmental regulations. Recognized for strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication. Collaborative team player dedicated to achieving results and adapting to evolving client needs. Proficient in risk assessment, policy development, and regulatory reporting.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Manager- Compliance and Regulatory
SimiTree Healthcare Consulting
08.2022 - 05.2025
- Responsibilities include providing consultation to home health and hospice organizations regarding federal government payment audits as well as understanding and operation implementation of payment and survey regulations and accreditation standards.
- Completes audits related to regulatory and payor compliance.
- Assists organizations with staff training regarding Medicare eligibility and regulatory requirements.
- Conducts mock surveys and supports state, federal, and accreditation survey preparedness and follow-up.
- Provides direction in maintaining agency licensure, accreditation, and coverage compliance requirements for home health and hospice.
- Acts as a resource to clients and other SimiTree teams regarding state, federal, and accreditation compliance and regulatory updates.
- Managed and maintained regulatory documentation, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations
- Developed and implemented processes to track and monitor regulatory submissions, ensuring timely completion and accuracy
- Assisted in preparing training materials related to compliance issues for staff members
Nurse Surveyor Homecare and Hospice
The Joint Commission
03.2017 - 07.2022
- Full-time Nurse Surveyor of Home Health, Hospice, and Palliative Care
- Responsibilities include surveying assigned home health/hospice agencies across the United States utilizing Joint Commission and Medicare Standards.
- Surveying agencies for Palliative Care certification
- Engages healthcare organization staff in interactive dialogues on standards-based issues in healthcare in order to assess compliance and identify opportunities for improving compliance.
- Prepares management reports that identify deficiencies with potential systems vulnerabilities and related organization risk points.
- Effectively communicates this information to healthcare organization leadership.
- Prepared clear and concise audit reports summarizing findings, recommendations, and action plans
- Evaluated the adequacy of risk management practices within client organizations
- Reviewed company policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
- Identified opportunities for cost savings or process improvements through data analysis
- Provided guidance on best practices for risk mitigation strategies
Regional Hospice Consultant/Clinical Services Consultant
Heartland Hospice/Homecare (HCR Manor Care)
05.2016 - 02.2017
- Responsible for 6 agencies, 4 hospice agencies, 2 homecare agencies, and an IPU
- Provide professional clinical support to all staff to ensure the quality of care is met through appropriate practice standards
- Communicate closely with local hospice/homecare management teams, regional operation teams, and corporate teams regarding issues or deficiencies
- Assess staff learning needs and develop and promote programs for continuing staff support. Provide in-services and staff education.
- Assist with developing goals/objectives and assist in the corresponding evaluation.
- Implementation of new policies and evaluates policy compliance; conduct internal quality checks, identify areas of concern, and make recommendations to assure that patients/families receive the highest quality care
- Mock surveys to assist agencies to become survey ready.
Nurse Surveyor Homecare/Hospice
The Joint Commission
08.2013 - 05.2016
- Intermittent Home Health/Hospice surveyor August 2013-May 2014
- Full-time surveyor May 2014
- Responsibilities include surveying assigned homecare/hospice agencies across the United States utilizing Joint Commission and Medicare Standards.
- Surveyors apply sophisticated analysis skills and inductive reasoning skills to determine a healthcare organization's degree of compliance with applicable standards and functionality of care delivery systems.
- Responsibilities also include interpreting and explaining the intent of the standards to healthcare organizations in a detailed, constructive, and professional manner.
Clinical Supervisor of Hospice/Palliative Care
UPMC VN of Venango County
06.2012 - 04.2014
- Responsibilities include directing, advising, and facilitating patient care and integration and coordination according to the Conditions of Participation, JCAHO standards, and policies and procedures of the agency.
- Responsible for facilitating the day-to-day operations of the hospice/palliative care team which includes overall direction and control of the multidisciplinary team. Monitor overall budget and responsible for adequate staffing, productivity for the team, and program process improvement.
- Implemented new protocols and procedures to improve efficiency and ensure compliance with regulatory standards
- Managed the scheduling and assignment of nursing staff, optimizing coverage to meet patient needs while controlling labor costs
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for nursing staff, identifying areas for improvement and providing coaching and training as needed
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients, ensuring continuity of care throughout their stay
- Monitored patient outcomes and implemented quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety and satisfaction
- Developed educational programs for nursing staff on topics such as infection control practices, wound care management, and pain assessment techniques
- Ensured compliance with HIPAA regulations by maintaining confidentiality of patient information at all times
- Facilitated effective communication between healthcare providers, patients/families regarding treatment plans or changes in condition
- Provided leadership during emergencies or crisis situations by coordinating resources effectively
- Assisted in the development of policies/procedures related to clinical practice based on evidence-based research
Clinical Manager of Inpatient Hospice
VNA of Western PA
09.2010 - 06.2012
- Manager of a 12-bed free-standing inpatient hospice facility. Responsibilities included facilitating the day-to-day operations of the facility and providing clinical guidance to staff by supporting, coaching, and mentoring.
- Responsibilities also included organizing educational programs/in-services for inpatient staff to assure the provision of excellent patient care/strong effective communication and educational programs/in-services for surrounding nursing/personal care homes.
- Oversaw and managed all clinical operations for a hospice organization, ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care
- Managed the recruitment, hiring, training, and performance evaluation of clinical staff members
- Ensured compliance with Medicare/Medicaid guidelines by conducting regular audits of clinical documentation
- Participated in interdisciplinary meetings to discuss complex cases and make appropriate recommendations for patient care interventions
- Collaborated with the finance department to develop budgets for clinical services department while maintaining cost-effective practices without compromising quality of care
Program Director of Oncology Services
UPMC Northwest
11.2009 - 08.2010
- Facilitated the day-to-day operations and provided clinical guidance in the delivery of care in the medical oncology department that included both inpatient and outpatient, thoracic/vascular surgery clinic, infusion center, and the palliative care program. Responsibilities included development and oversight of budget, physician and patient satisfaction, performance improvement, strategic planning, and developing policies/procedures.
- Participated in multidisciplinary rounds with physicians, pharmacists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to discuss patient progress and adjust care plans as needed
- Responded promptly to emergency situations within the oncology unit, initiating appropriate interventions while maintaining calm demeanor under pressure
- Collaborated with pharmacy department in managing medication inventory levels specific to oncology unit needs
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory standards related to oncology nursing practice
- Served as a resource person for colleagues regarding best practices in oncology nursing care
- Participated actively in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient safety within the unit
Clinical Nursing Instructor
Clarion University of PA/Venango Campus
08.2009 - 05.2010
- Clinical instructor for first and second-year nursing students in the medical/surgical area, obstetrics, and behavioral health. Responsible for student learning and application of theoretical knowledge in the clinical setting.
- Responsibilities also included effectively planning and implementing learning strategies appropriate to meet clinical outcomes and evaluating clinical practice competencies of students to determine achievement and progress.
- Provided instruction and guidance to nursing students in a clinical setting, ensuring adherence to best practices and safety protocols
- Developed and implemented lesson plans for clinical rotations, incorporating evidence-based practice guidelines
- Evaluated student performance through assessments, providing constructive feedback for improvement
Hospice/Supportive Care Manager
VNA of Venango County
01.2000 - 12.2009
- Facilitated the day-to-day operations of the hospice/supportive care program and the activities of the interdisciplinary team. Developed and implemented hospice policies/procedures and was responsible for budgetary development and implementation. Assures compliance with standards established by regulatory, licensing, and accrediting bodies. Responsible for starting a palliative/supportive care team to support those terminally ill/chronically ill patients, not in hospice care.
Hospice/Palliative Care Staff Nurse
Visiting Nurse Association
01.2000 - 12.2002
- Responsibilities included providing care to hospice patients and other terminally ill patients in their homes or skilled facilities. Provided support throughout the dying process and at the time of death.
- Conducted initial assessments and developed individualized care plans to meet patients' unique needs
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic care for patients, including physicians, social workers, and chaplains
- Administered medications, performed wound care, and provided pain management, maintaining the highest standards of patient comfort
Medical Oncology Office Nurse
Cancer Care Specialists
01.1998 - 12.2000
- Responsibilities included patient assessments, and histories, monitoring of patient’s laboratory values, and patient and family teaching related to cancer, treatments, and side effects. Assisted physician with procedures and was a liaison between physician and patients. Assisted in the outpatient clinic with the administration of chemotherapy, blood products, and other treatments as needed.
Office Nurse/Supervisor of Nursing Services
ENT Associates of NW PA
01.1996 - 12.1998
- Supervisor of nursing services, responsibilities included obtaining patient histories, assisting physicians with procedures, ordering office supplies, scheduling surgeries, and precertifying them with insurance companies. Duties also included allergy testing, injections, and patient teaching.
Staff Nurse/IV Nurse
VNA of Venango County
01.1995 - 12.1996
- Responsibilities included providing total patient care to homebound patients, patient/caregiver teaching, care planning, discharge planning, and general patient assessments and histories.
- Administered IV infusions to patients in accordance with physician orders and established protocols
- Educated patients on the purpose of IV therapy, potential side effects, and self-care measures to promote optimal outcomes
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare team members to develop individualized care plans for patients receiving IV infusions
Medical Oncology Staff Nurse
Northwest Medical Center
01.1991 - 12.1995
- Responsibilities included providing total patient care to a variety of oncology/hematology patients in the inpatient setting. Duties also included care planning, discharge planning, and administration of chemotherapy, blood products, and caring for terminally ill patients.
Chemotherapist/Oncology Staff Nurse
Duke Medical Center
01.1988 - 12.1991
- Responsibilities included providing total patient care to a variety of cancer patients, those with AIDs, and those with blood dyscrasias, both in the inpatient and outpatient settings. Duties included admixing and administration of chemotherapy, administration of blood products, and phase I and II research protocols. Training also included participation in a 1-year oncology internship, including class work and training on various units including a general oncology/hematology floor, a research unit, and a bone marrow transplant unit.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Administration
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ12-2007
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA05-1988
Skills
- Documentation review
- Oversight of regulatory compliance
- Audit management
- Regulatory compliance expertise
- Project management
- Regulatory agency applications
- Clinical development
- Problem-solving
- Strong time management
- Clinical documentation
- Developing training programs
Timeline
Senior Manager- Compliance and Regulatory
SimiTree Healthcare Consulting
08.2022 - 05.2025
Nurse Surveyor Homecare and Hospice
The Joint Commission
03.2017 - 07.2022
Regional Hospice Consultant/Clinical Services Consultant
Heartland Hospice/Homecare (HCR Manor Care)
05.2016 - 02.2017
Nurse Surveyor Homecare/Hospice
The Joint Commission
08.2013 - 05.2016
Clinical Supervisor of Hospice/Palliative Care
UPMC VN of Venango County
06.2012 - 04.2014
Clinical Manager of Inpatient Hospice
VNA of Western PA
09.2010 - 06.2012
Program Director of Oncology Services
UPMC Northwest
11.2009 - 08.2010
Clinical Nursing Instructor
Clarion University of PA/Venango Campus
08.2009 - 05.2010
Hospice/Supportive Care Manager
VNA of Venango County
01.2000 - 12.2009
Hospice/Palliative Care Staff Nurse
Visiting Nurse Association
01.2000 - 12.2002
Medical Oncology Office Nurse
Cancer Care Specialists
01.1998 - 12.2000
Office Nurse/Supervisor of Nursing Services
ENT Associates of NW PA
01.1996 - 12.1998
Staff Nurse/IV Nurse
VNA of Venango County
01.1995 - 12.1996
Medical Oncology Staff Nurse
Northwest Medical Center
01.1991 - 12.1995
Chemotherapist/Oncology Staff Nurse
Duke Medical Center
01.1988 - 12.1991
Master of Science - Nursing Administration
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
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