POSITION DESCRIPTION
Title: Policy Analyst
Reports To: President & CEO
Organization: Minnesota Hospital Association
FLSA Status: Exempt
EEO CODE: Office/Clerical
SUMMARY
Research and analyze current and proposed federal and state health care policy, law and regulations concerning issues that include but are not limited to health care reform and payment policy, health insurance regulations and requirements, state Medicaid and public programs, mental and behavioral health and other priority topics for the association. Provide consultative assistance and information to MHA members on policy and regulatory issues for assigned areas. Represent MHA on various external stakeholder groups and committees.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
· Research and analyze current and proposed federal and state health care policy, law and regulations concerning issues that include but are not limited to health care reform and payment policy, health insurance regulations and requirements, mental and behavioral health, and community benefits and health needs assessments.
· Draft comment letters on the potential impact to MHA members of proposed state and federal regulations. Keep abreast of comment period deadlines of importance to members. Assist in soliciting member input on proposed regulations as well as potential distribution of MHA comments.
· Monitor, interpret and explain new and revised regulations to members to promote continuous hospital regulatory compliance and survey readiness. Assist in the development of educational materials regarding this information for members.
· Provide consultative assistance and information to MHA members on policy, legislation and regulatory issues for assigned areas.
· Develop and maintain working relationships with staff from key federal and state agencies, particularly as it pertains to research and implementation of statutory requirements or payment policy, and other pertinent topics.
· Research policy and regulatory questions from MHA members and staff, as well as develop alternatives and responses to proposed health care regulatory and public policy proposals.
· Provide written summaries for members of proposed laws and regulations in the form of memos, fact sheets, letters, reports and presentations. Present summaries of proposed laws, policies and regulations at MHA member meetings.
· Produce and update a legislation tracking document during the legislative session.
· Carry out any related duties and responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
· Knowledge of health care, as well as legislative and regulatory processes.
· Must possess a working knowledge of the regulatory, financing and operational aspects of health care delivery. Experience in analyzing the impact of regulations on the provision of hospital services is preferred. Experience in dealing with government agencies and licensure bodies is preferred. Experience with mental and behavioral health policy issues is preferred.
· Strong writing, speaking and interpersonal skills.
· Communication skills, especially the ability to communicate data, thoughts, concerns and ideas in a clear and understandable fashion.
· Building and maintaining relationships with executive management, as well as outside agencies, organizations and individuals.
· Ability to think creatively and offer reasonable alternatives or options to policy issues.
· Ability to conduct independent research, including use of on-line and government resources.
· Strong work ethic.
· Ability to build close, trusting working relationships with the Association’s Senior Management Team while being adaptable, flexible and skillful in managing internal organizational relationships and demands.
· Be able to work well with others in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives and preparing corrective courses of action.
· Able to work independent of close supervision and provide support to MHA’s senior leaders across department lines; high degree of self-motivation and self-discipline.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university, and at least three years of relevant experience or post-graduate studies in related field.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Position has no supervisory responsibilities.
LANGUAGE ABILITY
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
MATHEMATICAL ABILITY
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
COMPUTER SKILLS
Must have good knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
· The noise level in the environment is moderate.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
· While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee may occasionally be required to lift up to 10 pounds. The vision requirements include close and distant vision.
This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.
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APPROVED: Supervisor/Manager Date
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ACKNOWLEDGED: Employee Date