I served with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Puget Sound Health Care System (PSHCS) from August 23, 1993 to the Present; my current assignment: Information Technology Specialist, GS-2210-09, salary $56,247 per year, 40 hours per week, and supervisor: JoAnne Brougham, 253.764.2882. My current position is based at the American Lake Medical Campus, Lakewood, Washington, Health Plan Management Service (HPM), and Automated Data Processing (ADP) Section work group. My position, Automated Data Processing Applications Coordinator (ADPAC) is the liaison between PSHCS and the Veteran’s Health Information System and Technology Architecture (VistA) programs; the users and the mission - goals.

We served as software package coordinators and Medical Center’s subject matter experts on the following VistA packages. As package coordinators, our workgroup insure the data integrity of the data entered through these packages and assure data security by insuring only appropriate staff members have need-to-know assess to the data under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

All requests for access to these VistA packages, including security key assignments are processed by our workgroup. We evaluate requests for access by remote users and the menus and level of access needed. When employees move into other positions where such access is no longer needed, we delete or inactivate access to menu options as well as mail groups, files accesses, user/person classification, etc.

v Patient Information Management Systems (PIMS)

v Admission/Discharge/Transfer (ADT)

v Master Patient Index (MPI)

v Automated Management Information System (AMIS)

v Scheduling (SD)

v Patient Care Encounter (PCE)

v Patient Data Exchange (PDX)

v Incomplete Encounter Management Module (IEMM)

v Clinical Information Repository network (CIRN)

v Patient Merge, Record Tracking (RT)

v Income Verification Match (IVM)

v Automated Medical Information Exchange (AMIE)

v Hospital Inquiry (Hinq)

v Fee Basis (FB)

v Audiofax

v Patient Treatment File (PTF)

v Text Integration Utility (TIU)/Release of Information (ROI) packages interfaces

v Analyzing, administration, coordinating, and monitoring VHA PSHCS programs as they relate to computer systems and software.

v Analysis and evaluation of all new software packages which impact VHA PSHCS programs. It includes a thorough analysis and impact review of all VistA Patch reports which relate to VHA PSHCS programs.

v Coordinating training and communication related to national software releases which impact PIMS software. Training and communication may include downloading, copying and distributing pertinent training materials and updated user guides, staffing with VHA PSHCS, Information Systems Service (ISS) and other medical center staff on software changes and making formal presentation.

v General maintenance of personal computers, printers, etc. assigned to (Service). Serve as the (Service) liaison with ISS on all computer repair, installation and software installation issues.

v Independently monitor, evaluate problems and correct statistical errors for all daily workload transmissions between the VAMC and the Austin Data Processing Center. Success to monitor and correct daily transmissions led to budgetary gain for the Medical Center.

v Create computerized applications necessary to accomplish objectives which cannot be achieved by existing programs. This require identifying the problem or objective, devising methods of securing the information, evaluating the accuracy, and analysis of the program for its overall effectiveness.

v Collect and analyze information about ADP programs impact on workload in day-to-day operation. Provide cost-effective recommendations (verbally and in writing) on staffing reallocations and adjustments as needed for implementation of new programs. Keep VHA PSHCS management informed of the status of the ADP program. Advise management of trends, problem areas, etc.

v Serve as database manager and interpreter of VHA PSHCS software packages, and data, working with ISS in installing, testing of patches, maintaining, and upgrading software. Serve as service reference point for troubleshooting/maintaining personal computer hardware and software.

v Review problems reported with regard to VHA PSHCS programs and determine what action is necessary to correct the problem(s). Aid in documentation.

v Working with other VHA PSHCS and ISS staff, develop recommendations for enhancements to national VHA PSHCS software programs.

Because all other VISTA modules including the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS), Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA), and HealtheVet Program are based on data collected in the PIMS package, we provide training throughout the medical center on Best Business Practices applications and the interrelated modules. Training includes areas in daily operational tasks, training methods for future users, and management techniques useful in the oversight of ADP users and systems. The goals are to develop staff, management, and supervisor level expertise to manage and use the VistA system and other software/equipment assigned to their section; provide training and assistance to VHA PSHCS users with personal computer applications; analyze and implement training on VHA PSHCS applications as needs are identified or where deficiencies exist; serve as primary key operator for all ADP equipment in use within VHA PSHCS and our networks under the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN).

We provide assistance to the Information Security Officer (ISO) in investigation of suspected security breaches within our Business Practices; ensure compliance with software Copyright laws; complete periodic reviews of employee’s menu options to ensure access are appropriate to job responsibilities and maintained commensurate with changing position responsibilities; maintain users’ instructional and reference manuals.

We represent the Service on the Medical Center Workload Committee, CPRS/Clinical Applications Workgroups, etc., and must be knowledgeable on CPRS and other software packages to fully understand how the PIMS information is integrated across the VistA and VISN network platforms.

We advise Service-Line Leaders and Program Managers on present and future equipment needs, researches, recommends and prepares justification for procurement of additional hardware, and order necessary supplies. We assist in requesting installation of computer communications lines and peripheral equipment.

I also served with the Ninth Airborne Command and Control Squadron, Hickam AFB/Hawaii, on my last assignment with the United States Air Force (USAF) as Superintendent of Airborne Communications. I served from June 1, 1966 to July 1, 1992 with the USAF. The Superintendent provided personnel and operations management under the direction of the Commander for 73 highly trained airborne communications expert specialists. We provided direct links for the Battle Commander and the Battle Staff to armed forces in the air, in/on the sea, and on land. Copies of my military history and performance reports are available on request.

During this same period I served as the First Sergeant for the Squadron. Under the Commander’s directions, I provided day to day operational management for my 73 specialists and 101 officers/unit support/civilian personnel. We trained and were trained in simulators, practice sorties, and in garrison (classes, computer-based instructions, and mentorship’s). I was also responsible for a fully functional Alert facility with capabilities to be totally self-sufficient and survivable for a much extended period. After the Berlin Wall came down, I retired my squadron, reassigned all personnel, secured the Alert Facility, cased the unit colors, and recorded the unit honors with the US Military Historian. I retired my USAF career three months later and from July 1, 1992 to August 23, 1993; I worked as a security guard and for the US Postal Service as a letter carrier until I got an appointment with the VA.

Education:

- Completed one year of graduate studies at Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu, Hawaii in Information Systems July 1991.

- Completed a degree, Bachelor of Science at University of Maryland, Asian Division, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan in Management Studies as a major and Computer Studies for a minor August 1989.

- Completed Associate of Science certificatory requirements for the Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama in Communications Technology June 1973.

- Graduated at Senior High School, Hilo, Hawaii June 1965

Training:

- A minimum of 40 credit hours training complete annually from FY1994 to FY2005 in VA Information Technology, VA Regulatory, VA Medical Administrative, and VA Record Keeping subjects at Seattle VAMC and American Lake VAMC, Tacoma, Washington.

- Postal vehicle driver certified February 1993 for the USPS, Puyallup, Washington.

- State certified with a .38 cal revolver and as an armed security guard August 1992, Tacoma, Washington.

- Trained and certified as an expert crew member for USAF EC-135J, E-3B, and JC-130H aircrafts and earned a Chief Master Aircrew badge, recognition award, August 1991 Hickam AFB, Hawaii.

- Trained and certified as a trainer and instructor in airborne communications systems and airborne weapon platforms, USAF, September 1989 Hickam AFB, Hawaii.

- Trained and certified as a PADI open water diver July 1983 Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan.

- Trained and certified as an USAF Recruiter San Francisco, California, September 1976 at Lackland AFB, Texas.

- Trained and certified as a supervisor and combat trainer for MRC-108 Ground Radio Operations, mobile Tactical Air Control Point September 1970, Hue Citadel, RVN.

Other:

I completed my USAF career at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, E8 with a (Special Compartment Investigation) SCI Top Secret clearance; earned two Meritorious Service Medals, Air Medal, four Commendation Medals, and six Good Conduct awards; I also served as Information Security Manager for the 9^th Airborne Command and Control Squadron, USAF.

David Ceridon