Hospice Medical Director

Job Description Summary The hospice Medical Director will have overall responsibility for the medical component of the hospice program. The hospice Medical Director will provide oversight of physician services by acting as a medical resource to the interdisciplinary group, assuring continuity of hospice medical services, assuring appropriate measures to control patient symptoms, and complementing attending physician care. The Medical director will serve as a hospice champion - promoting and representing the program to physicians, physician groups, discharge planners, other referral sources, community health organizations, and potential donors, as appropriate. Core Responsibilities Providing overall medical direction to the program Assuring that the established policies, bylaws, rules, and regulations of the organization are followed Adhering to requirements of Medicare Conditions of Participation, accrediting bodies, and federal/state statutes governing services Participating as an active member of the Interdisciplinary group responsible for establishing and reviewing policies and procedures related to patient care, emergency procedures, and infection control Developing and reviewing criteria to monitor quality of education programs provided to physicians, personnel, and volunteers in cooperation with the Executive Director/Administrator and Director of Clinical Services Evaluating QAPI plans and monitoring to identify medical education needs; actively participating in QAPI meetings and Performance Improvement Projects (PIPs) Proposing organizational programs to address identified needs with consultants of specialties where needed Working with the Executive Director/Administrator and Director of Clinical Services to assess the impact of programs on quality of care Reviewing and developing protocols for treatment, and proposing current options for interventions Assisting with evaluation of protocols and procedures with respect to quality and cost outcomes Community Liaison and Education Serving as a hospice champion in the community Acting as a liaison to community physicians by providing consultation and education on admission criteria for hospice and palliative care Educating practicing physicians and others engaged in healthcare services regarding the hospice program and its potential benefits to patients Patient Care Reviewing clinical information for each hospice patient before certification or recertification, providing written certification that the patient's life expectancy is six months or less if the illness runs its normal course; considering primary terminal condition, related diagnosis(es), current findings, medication orders, and management of unrelated conditions Establishing the plan of care in conjunction with the attending physician and interdisciplinary group prior to providing care Reviewing clinical record or performing a medical examination to confirm hospice services are appropriate Reviewing necessary data from referral source to validate diagnosis and prognosis Performing face‑to‑face encounters within thirty (30) days of the third and subsequent certification periods and documenting the encounter Consulting with attending physicians regarding pain and symptom management Managing oversight of the patient's medications and treatments Acting as medical resource to the interdisciplinary group Attending interdisciplinary group meetings and working in a team approach In conjunction with the attending physician, reviewing and updating plan of care at least every 15 days, or more frequently as needed Assisting in development and implementation of a coordinated plan of care with the attending physician Documenting care provided in the patient’s clinical record to demonstrate progression of end‑stage disease Acting as primary physician for patients whose attending physicians relinquish care Ensuring availability of physician services and providing substitutes in absence of attending physician Maintaining current knowledge of latest research and trends in hospice care and pain/symptom management Demonstrating knowledge in communication and counseling patients and families dealing with end‑of‑life issues Supervision Providing periodic reviews of quality of clinical care and documentation of visits by physicians and extenders Ensuring proper physician participation and support for the Interdisciplinary Group in meetings and patient care Participating in selection, onboarding, and orientation of new Associate Medical Directors, physicians, and/or extenders Participating in resolution of interpersonal conflict and clinical/ethical concerns Ensuring continuous hospice physician coverage 24/7 per week Communication Completing, maintaining, and submitting accurate clinical notes on patient condition and care Maintaining collaborative relationships with organization personnel to support patient care Assisting patients, families/caregivers, and team members in continuity of care Attending interdisciplinary group meetings Additional Duties Participating in on‑call duties as defined by policy Assuming responsibility for professional growth, attending continuing medical education and in‑service classes Fulfilling requested or accepted attending physician responsibilities Actively participating in quality assessment and performance improvement activities Additional duties as delegated The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job‑related tasks other than those stated in this description. Position Qualifications Licensed as a Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy in the state without restriction or subject to any disciplinary or corrective action Maintains DEA registration and any or all controlled substance authorizations with state and federal authorities Has experience in hospice or palliative care and/or training in end‑of‑life care; Board Certified in Hospice and Palliative Care preferred Participates in ongoing medical education activities related to the medical care of hospice and palliative care patients Not excluded from participating in Medicare/Medicaid or any federally funded program Minimum of one (1) year experience in health care, hospice experience preferred; understands hospice philosophy, death/dying issues, pain management and LCD guidelines Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication and organization skills Must be a licensed driver with an insured automobile in good working order as required by state/organization Knowledge of business management, governmental regulations and CHAP standards is preferred #J-18808-Ljbffr