ESRD Network 13 Staff
The following is a list of the staff at Network 13. We have given a description of each position at the Network to assist you. If you have any questions or comments please contact us and we will do our best to help. If you would like to send an email to a specific person on our staff, click on the email icon located under the person's title who would best assist you.
See our Organizational Chart pdf-19Kb
See our Operational Chart pdf-14Kb
Executive Director (ED): Sandra Woodruff, MSPH
Under the general direction of the Board of Directors (BOD), is responsible for the overall management, supervision and coordination of the contract requirements between the Network and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) including meeting deliverable due dates. Also responsible for program development, business and fiscal management, Internal Quality Program [IQP], personnel staffing (includes staff training and personnel management decisions) and liaison with Network boards, external committees and external agencies, professional renal organizations and renal related agencies/organizations, e.g., QIO's and survey agencies...
Quality Improvement (QI) Director : Linda Duval, RN, BSN
Assists the ED in meeting contract deliverables. Is responsible for the development, implementation, evaluation and management of quality improvement projects and other related quality improvement activities such as the collection of data on the Clinical Performance Measures. Serves as primary staff person for the Quality Improvement Committee. Coordinates with the Patient Services Coordinator on patient services, e.g., complaints and grievances. Coordinates with the Outreach Coordinator on community outreach activities, e.g., workshops, newsletters. Oversees the professional newsletter. News You Can Use.
Patient Services Coordinator (PSC): Amber Harper, LCSW, NSW-C
The Patient Services Coordinator is responsible for working with patients and facilities in resolving patient and/or facility complaints or grievances and conducting educational training on managing difficult patients, mediation and conflict resolution. Aggregate information regarding these contacts is analyzed and used for development of improvement activities. Additionally the PSC serves as a liaison with the State Survey Agency on all issues related to patient services, and to other patient-centered organizations. This position serves as primary staff person for the Patient Services and Grievance Committee. In conjunction with the Communications Director, the PSC develops the annual six-session Professional WebEx Educational Series which provides information regarding Conditions for Coverage, requested topics and special programs provided by various professionals in the field as appropriate.
Communications/ Outreach Coordinator: Suzanne Freed
Under the direction of the ED, assists the ED in meeting contract deliverables. Responsible for enhancing community outreach and collaboration activities of the Network. Coordinates scheduling of workshops (Patient and Professional). Serves as primary staff person for Patient Advocacy Committee. Coordinates the patient newsletter, Kidney Koncerns.
Project Coordinator/ IS Manager: Riti Malhotra, MHA
Assists the ED in meeting contract deliverables. Serves as the network's Security Point of Contact (SPOC) and maintains the Business Continuity and Contingency Plan for the QualityNet Infrastructure. Contact person for QIMS registration and CROWNWeb.
Data Manager: Cindy Smith
Responsible for accuracy and integrity of Standard Information Management System [SIMS] database. Oversees training of VISION facilities and transmission of data through QualityNet Exchange. updates the Network’s patient database from information received from facilities. Serves as lead in ensuring the readiness of Dialysis facilities for CROWNWeb. Processes CMS notifications and accretions listings to ensure compatibility with CMS data. Oversees submission of data from CMS patient forms, e.g., CMS-2728, CMS-2744 and CMS-2746, to CMS. Verifies UNOS transplant information is accurate in patient database.
Executive Assistant: Shirley Brasher, BA
Assists the ED in the fiscal management of the Network including payroll, taxes and accounting activities. Assists the ED in meeting contract deliverables. In the capacity of office manager, ensures inventory and replenishment of supplies and postage and maintenance of office machines.
QI Nurse: Cheryl George, RN
Assists the QI Director in the development, implementation, evaluation and management of quality improvement projects and other special studies. Assists QI Director, as needed, with any required onsite facility visits for the purposes of QI activities or grievances.
Network Patient Representative Coordinator: Carolyn Wilson
Coordinates the Network Patient Representative program. Encourages dialysis patient involvement in the Network and facility activities to help improve patient health and well being.
Quality Improvement Assistant: Jason Clem
Serves as clerical support to both the Quality Improvement (QI) personnel in the meeting of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) contract requirements for QI. Assists the Quality Improvement Department with Clinical Performance Measures (CPM) and Quality Improvement Projects (QIP). Develops database entry programs for special projects.
Data/Patient Services Support: Janice Ruffin, MA
Assists the DM with ensuring the accuracy and integrity of Standard Information Management System [SIMS] database. Does primary entry of CMS forms 2728 and 2746, gathering any missing information and forms filing. Assists PSC with initial contact patient and facility calls. Assist with entry of call information in the CMS Contacts software. Assists DM with meeting Information Systems contract deliverables.