CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

POSITION SUMMARY: The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for the day-to-day operational performance of the Kentucky Critical Access Hospital (CAH). Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the COO provides direct oversight of hospital operations, regulatory compliance, quality and patient safety, and workforce stability.In the Kentucky CAH environment, the COO serves as a highly visible, hands-on leader-ensuring compliance with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services CAH Conditions of Participation, Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services regulations, and accreditation standards (e.g., The Joint Commission or DNV), while balancing limited staffing, financial constraints, and community access needs.PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:Hospital OperationsDirect and oversee daily operations of inpatient, outpatient, emergency, ancillary, and support servicesEnsure efficient patient flow, staffing coverage, and coordination across departmentsProvide real-time operational decision-making during staffing shortages, census fluctuations, or emergenciesImplement operational policies and procedures consistent with CAH requirements and Kentucky regulationsRegulatory & Compliance OversightEnsure continuous compliance with CMS CAH Conditions of ParticipationMaintain compliance with CHFS Office of Inspector General and Office of Health Data & Analytics requirementsLead operational readiness for state surveys, CMS validation surveys, and accreditation reviewsCoordinate corrective action plans and sustain compliance improvementsQuality, Safety & Emergency PreparednessPartner with nursing and medical staff leadership on quality improvement, patient safety, and infection preventionOversee operational components of the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) programEnsure compliance with CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule and Kentucky emergency management requirementsCoordinate drills, hazard vulnerability analyses, and emergency response planningFinancial & Resource StewardshipCollaborate with the CEO and CFO on operational budgets, productivity management, and cost containmentOptimize use of CAH-specific reimbursement structures and operational flexibilitiesOversee operational components of grant-funded programs (e.g., USDA, HRSA, rural health grants)Support operational planning for capital projects and facility improvementsPhysician, Provider & Workforce LeadershipFoster strong collaboration with medical staff and advanced practice providersAddress operational barriers impacting provider satisfaction and retentionLead department directors and managers, emphasizing cross-training and workforce flexibilitySupport recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies critical to rural healthcare sustainabilityCommunity & System CollaborationCoordinate operational relationships with EMS, rural health clinics, long-term care facilities, and regional referral hospitalsRepresent hospital operations in local, regional, and state-level rural health initiatives as assignedMaintain an approachable leadership presence with staff, providers, patients, and community partnersQUALIFICATIONS:EducationBachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Nursing, or related field (required)Master's degree (MHA, MBA, MSN, or related) preferredExperience5-7 years of progressive healthcare leadership experiencePrior experience in a Kentucky CAH or rural hospital strongly preferredDemonstrated experience with regulatory compliance, hospital operations, and quality improvementCore CompetenciesIn-depth knowledge of CMS CAH regulations and Kentucky healthcare requirementsPractical, hands-on leadership styleStrong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skillsAbility to lead with limited resources while maintaining compliance and service accessBENEFITS OFFERED:403(b)403(b) matchingHealth InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsuranceFlexible Spending AccountHealth Savings AccountShort Term DisabilityCancer, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital IndemnityPaid Vacation TimePaid Sick TimeWellness Plan