Overview
About this Role
The incumbent is responsible for conducting in‑depth surveys and investigations of licensed healthcare facilities to determine compliance with State licensing and Federal certification requirements. The position evaluates the quality of patient care, assesses compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and prepares comprehensive documentation to support enforcement actions when necessary. The incumbent also represents the Department in administrative and legal proceedings, provides technical guidance to facility administrators, and participates in activities that support statewide consistency in regulatory oversight.
Key Responsibilities
• Travel to healthcare facilities to conduct comprehensive compliance surveys, individually or as part of a team.
• Conduct and document interviews with residents, staff, and other relevant personnel to gather information on facility operations and patient care.
• Request, review, and evaluate medical records while ensuring full protection of patient confidentiality.
• Determine facility compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and certification requirements using survey findings and direct observations.
• Prepare clear, comprehensive narrative reports outlining findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Draft written statements of deficiencies when non‑compliance is identified.
• Conduct complaint investigations related to patient care and healthcare delivery, documenting all evidence sufficient for legal action.
• Prepare and deliver written or verbal testimony during conferences, hearings, and other legal proceedings to support civil monetary penalties or enforcement actions.
• Serve as an expert witness regarding State and Federal regulatory requirements governing patient care and healthcare delivery.
• Participate in meetings, workgroups, and local program activities to promote consistent statewide application of regulatory standards.
• Attend trainings to maintain current knowledge of trends, issues, and best practices in healthcare delivery systems.
• Provide consultation to healthcare facility administrators related to licensing requirements, inspections, construction standards, and operational compliance.
• Perform other assigned duties including data collection for special studies and preparation of licensing or complaint‑related documentation.
Qualifications
• Strong clinical nursing expertise with the ability to evaluate patient care, clinical practices, and medical documentation.
• Knowledge of State licensing and Federal certification regulations, including enforcement processes.
• Experience conducting surveys, investigations, or audits in healthcare or regulatory environments.
• Ability to assess compliance, interpret complex regulations, and prepare accurate, defensible documentation.
• Skill in interviewing patients, staff, and facility representatives in a professional, trauma‑informed manner.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare detailed narrative reports and deficiency statements.
• Experience providing testimony or participating in administrative or legal proceedings.
• Excellent analytical judgment and the ability to make compliance determinations independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in team‑based surveys or investigations.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure while addressing sensitive or contentious regulatory issues.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, including managing travel, caseload, and documentation deadlines.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with healthcare delivery trends, regulatory updates, and patient‑care standards.
About California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
CDPH works to protect the public's health in the Golden State and helps shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. The Department's programs and services, implemented in collaboration with local health departments and state, federal and private partners, touch the lives of every Californian and visitor to the state 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our Shared Vision
CDPH public health professionals, researchers, scientists, doctors, nurses, and other staff members have a shared vision to protect and improve the health of all Californians. We are dedicated to public service and passionate about our work and the people and communities we serve and protect.
Diversity Statement
At CDPH, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.
