HIGH LEVEL DISINFECTION SPECIALIST

General Purpose of Job:

The High-Level Disinfection (HLD) and Regulatory Compliance Specialist is responsible for the oversight of disinfection and sterilization standards and practices for reusable instrumentation, flexible and rigid scopes, and other medical devices across the regional health system. Works in collaboration with Infection Prevention and Central Sterile Processing Department (CSPD) leaders to ensure compliance with all regulatory standards and manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs). Serves as a content expert for High Level Disinfection standards and regulations. Provides educational activities for the regional health system including new employee training and ongoing competency programs to ensure standardization and practice adherence across sites. Interfaces with Infection Prevention, Accreditation, Safety Management, Acute Care, Ambulatory Care, Health System Administration, Facilities, and Value Analysis to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, standards, and best practices.

Essential Duties:

This job description is intended to cover the minimum essential duties assigned on a regular basis. Caregivers may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned by their leader. Leadership has the right to alter or modify the duties of the position.

• In collaboration with department leaders, drives performance improvement, quality, and patient safety initiatives associated with high level disinfection, sterilization, and instrumentation transport to minimize risk of environmental cross-contamination.
• Partners with department leaders to develop and maintain policies, procedures, and standard work regarding cleaning, assembly, HLD and/or sterilization in Central Sterile Processing and other units in the regional health system.
• Supports organizational strategies, initiatives, and quality improvement processes which enhance the patient experience, operational effectiveness, and program efficiency.
• Partners with Accreditation and IPE for annual HLD internal certification site visits.
• Provides primary guidance, support, and feedback to customer departments and leadership responsible for HLD processes.
• Coordinates a team of primary contributors for HLD-related policies, protocols, training, and competency content.
• Ensures regional service coverage:
  
  
  
  • Collaborates with local customers, Nursing, and Infection Prevention & Epidemiology to redirect reprocessing work to appropriate locations.
  • Partners with Facilities, Maintenance and Planning in the development and building design of new/renovated disinfection areas.
  • Creates and manages plans for service interruption relative to HLD.
  • Supports managers during regulatory surveys and consultations.