DSHS ESH Health Records Technician

DSHS ESH – Health Records Technician 2

Eastern State Hospital is seeking a detail-oriented Health Records Technician 2 to manage and maintain medical records in compliance with state and federal regulations. In this role, you will be responsible for processing records requests from all types of requestors and for all purposes, from litigation and discovery to continuity of care, managing requests for external data, and the completion of record audits to facilitate maximum revenue return.

Located in the peaceful setting of Medical Lake, Eastern State Hospital (ESH) is a state psychiatric hospital with an operating capacity of 368 beds, situated on a beautiful, wooded campus. ESH provides essential mental health services to individuals in the region. This role plays a crucial part in ensuring the integrity of patient records, maintaining legal compliance, and supporting high-quality care in a healthcare environment committed to confidentiality and professionalism.

Employees who work on-site at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay on top of the advertised salary.

Please note that this position is Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 4:30PM.

• Responsible for decisions and conclusions concerning all types of medical record requests from open and closed records.
• Respond to requests for protected health information (PHI) from all types of requestors for a wide variety of purposes including continued patient care, discharge planning, benefit establishment, legal evaluation, detainment and commitment, disability determination and appeals, criminal defense and prosecution as well as other legal actions.
• Respond to records requests in collaboration with the Director of HIM, Director of Policy/Risk/Discovery and the Privacy and Public Disclosure Manager. Process records requests from various government agencies.
• Review requests for conformity with legal authorization requirements to ensure compliance with HIPAA, WACs and RCWs, educating and providing guidance to requestors as needed.
• Evaluate guardianship and power of attorney paperwork for legal authorities to obtain and release PHI. Assist requesters in defining the scope of records requested.
• Identify and redact information exempt from disclosure.
• Verify validity of subpoenas and court orders received.
• Respond to requests based on the requestors’ need in accordance with established legal time frames.
• Conduct daily audits of professional staff documentation and ensure the completeness and accuracy of each record.
• Query the physicians as necessary to identify significant diagnoses in as much detail as possible, to assign the most specific ICD-10-CM.
• Maintain awareness of ICD-10-CM and DSM5 updates as applicable, seeking out and participating in educational opportunities.

• Knowledge of health information management practices, including medical terminology, records retention laws, privacy regulations (such as HIPAA), ICD-10-CM, CPT, coding guidelines, and agency policies.
• Familiarity with state, federal, and hospital policies regarding the release of confidential patient information, as well as office and records management systems and procedures.
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with medical and legal professionals, patients, staff, and the public, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to work professionally and respectfully with individuals at all levels, resolve conflicts calmly, and contribute positively as a team member.
• Proficiency in reviewing data and documentation for accuracy and compliance, identifying trends, supporting standardized reporting, and using systems like Adobe Pro, Excel, Access, and Outlook.
• Ability to train, supervise, and mentor technical and professional staff to ensure compliance with policies, quality standards, and consistent performance.
• Able to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm on‑site in a busy office setting.

• Associate’s degree in health information management, business administration, or related field.
• Five years of experience in a Health Information Management (medical records) office, office management,…