PHYSICIAN

Job Title

The Physician examines and treats facility detainees/inmates to ensure proper injury care, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment and recovery. The primary care physician is the first point of contact for many patients and as a result must be able to diagnose a wide range of illnesses and injuries. The Physician is also responsible for managing the overall care of the patient and communicating with the specialist or specialists as needed. Manages and evaluates the medical program activities based on industry standards and contractual obligations. Functions as liaison between correctional officials, public agencies, and the company. Implements all contractually required services.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• The Physician exercises final medical judgment in all issues of health care.
• Performs routine medical examinations on detainees/inmates referred by the nursing/professional staff under established guidelines. Provides medical treatment and orders studies, tests and ancillary services required consistent with the provision of basic health care services.
• The Physician prescribes pharmaceuticals, other medications, and treatment regimens to treat identified and documented medical conditions.
• Discusses potential side effects of medication/treatment with patients and ensure that all allergy information is up to date before prescribing medication/treatment.
• The Physician provides advice to patients for lifestyle and diet changes that may improve their health or help to treat the health issue they are experiencing.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and complies with all federal and state health information privacy laws.
• The Physician collaborates with other physicians, physician assistants and nurses to form a high performing medical team.
• Cultivates a climate of trust and compassion for patients.
• The Physician documents all services provided in the detainee/inmate medical record.
• Reviews regularly those cases requiring ongoing medical/pharmaceutical attention.
• Instructs patients in required health hygiene techniques.
• Initiates and maintains compliance with company policy and reviews all other policies and procedures annually to assure their compliance with the American Correctional Association and/or National Commission Standards for Correctional Health Care.
• Supervises the Medical Unit in facilitating health care in the detention facility.
• May direct the work of staff employees. Provides input into performance evaluation.
• Supervises the development of and application of policies, procedures, and protocols in the care of detainees/inmates.
• Meets with management as needed for program evaluation and planning.
• Provides twenty-four (24)-hour on-call coverage to advise nursing staff in the care of detainees/inmates.
• Performs regular chart review for quality assurance purposes and countersigns telephone orders.
• Designates the level of care to be performed and the necessary equipment needed. Identifies continuing care facilities and specialty physicians. Initiates dental and psychiatric referrals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Medical degree in medicine from an accredited school and licensed to practice as a medical or osteopathic physician in the state in which the facility is located required. Board certification in primary care or related field preferred.
• Board certified in Internal Medicine or Family Practice and must maintain board certification during employment or board eligible if within seven (7) years of their completion of an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) approved residency in one of the two specialties.
• Two (2) years of direct work experience as a Physician preferred.
• Completion of a U.S.-based residency program required.
• Current DEA and D.P.S. Certificate of Registration required.
• Professional license must remain on file at all times at the facility where services are rendered.