Nurse Surveyor

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Job Description: Nurse III - Regulatory Nurse surveyors works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. These positions perform advanced (senior-level) nursing work; conducts validation surveys, resurveys, initial surveys, complaint investigations and follow-up visits at regulated health facilities to determine compliance with state and federal regulations. These positions evaluate health facility providers’ plans of correction for acceptable corrective action on cited deficiencies and refers for state and federal enforcement action. These positions prepare and completes appropriate reports accurately and on a timely basis.
These positions serve as a preceptor for orientation of new surveyors.
These positions represent the department at stakeholder meetings.
May be requested to assist in a variety of roles during emergency situations or in other activities as assigned.
These positions have extensive latitude in completing essential job functions.
Telework status contingent on successful completion of 6 month probationary period and all requirements for telework status.
Travel requirements include travel to statewide work sites each week with one day or less each week in the office.


Essential Job Functions: Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Compliance Activity. Conduct on-site surveys and investigations of licensed and or Medicare certified health care facilities to determine compliance with applicable state and federal laws, regulations, and rules. Regulated health facilities surveyed and investigated are; hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, end stage renal disease facilities, birthing centers, abortion clinics, rural health clinics, portable x-ray providers, outpatient physical therapy providers, and comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities. Analyzes, compiles and reviews complex, technical information derived from clinical record reviews, facility management and business record reviews, patient, consumer and facility staff interviews, and onsite observations. Evaluates management, supervision and quality of care delivery. Determines the validity of the allegations in the complaint and compliance with state and federal regulations, and documents survey and investigation findings in the Automated Survey Processing Environment (ASPEN). Reviews plans of correction submitted by healthcare facilities to determine acceptability. Develops recommendations for adverse state enforcement action and federal termination action if applicable, and refers to other regulatory entities if appropriate. Submits travel vouchers timely, accurately and according to policy; enters leave in CAPPS timely. (85%)

Training. Plans, assigns and/or supervise the work of other survey staff and survey teams. Provides consultation and serves as a preceptor and mentor in the orientation and initial training of newly employed surveyors. Uses the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Surveyor Training Orientation Program for the Newly Employed Surveyor and the specific laws and regulations for each health facility type to teach the survey process. Uses standardized reports to compose field evaluation reports of newly employed surveyors. Participates in training workshops to enhance the skills of surveyors. Assists management and quality assurance program staff in the development and implementation of quality assurance processes. (10%)

Public Relations. Represents the agency by providing information, collaborating with stakeholders, customers, other state agencies and federal partners. Provides consultation and presurvey conferences to regulated health care facility providers and potential providers to assist them in maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations. Responds to inquiries and requests from providers and health care consumers regarding regulated facilities, both verbally and in writing utilizing word processing software, such as Word. Performs related work as assigned. (5%)


Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: Must be registered as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas or a state that recognizes reciprocity through the Nurse Licensure Compact.


Knowledge Skills Abilities: Knowledge of local, state and federal health care laws and regulations relevant to program areas.
Knowledge of a health care facility operation, regulation, and procedures.
Knowledge of public administration and management techniques.
Skill in communication and public speaking.
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and negotiating and implementing solutions.
Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
Ability to evaluate policies and procedures.
Ability to prepare and maintain records.
Ability to explain public health law.
Ability to interpret policies and procedures.
Ability to interpret health care facility regulations.
Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to use computers and computer software for word processing, database management and report writing.
Ability to plan, assign and/or supervise the work of others.


Initial Screening Criteria: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in nursing or from an accredited nursing program is generally preferred. Education and work experience can be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

3 Years registered nursing experience required.

Additional Information: none

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form