Hospice Medical Director

The Hospice Medical Director serves as the highest-level physician leader, responsible for the overall medical direction, oversight, and quality of the hospice program in compliance with Medicare Conditions of Participation, state licensure regulations, and organizational policies. This role provides clinical leadership to the interdisciplinary group (IDG), collaborates with attending physicians, and ensures that all patients receive appropriate, compassionate, and timely medical care aligned with their goals. The Medical Director represents the hospice program within the medical community, provides education to staff and referral sources, and ensures 24/7 availability of physician services to meet patient needs. Key Responsibilities Provide overall medical direction for the hospice program, ensuring physician services are available on a 24-hour basis to meet patient needs when not met by the attending Oversee and approve all hospice admission decisions, ensuring that each patient meets initial and ongoing eligibility criteria in accordance with federal and state regulations. Certify and recertify terminal illness in writing for all benefit periods, including required narrative statements, and sign and date certifications in compliance with Medicare Conditions of Participation. Ensure all required face-to-face encounters for the third and subsequent benefit periods are completed by a qualified hospice physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, and that findings are documented and communicated to the certifying physician. Collaborate with attending physicians to develop, review, approve, and update the plan of care at least every 15 days or more frequently as needed, ensuring alignment with patient goals and effective symptom control. Oversee pain and symptom management strategies, ensuring adherence to evidencebased practices and patient-centered care principles. Physically attends IDG meetings, providing input on patient care needs, eligibility, and care planning unless remote participation is approved by the VP of Clinical Operations. Provide education and consultation to staff, volunteers, and community healthcare providers on the medical aspects of hospice care, ensuring staff competency in these areas. Review all patient deaths for quality assurance purposes and participate in mortality review processes as required by state regulations. Approve and review all clinical policies and procedures annually, ensuring they reflect current standards of hospice and palliative medicine. Ensure ongoing availability for clinical consultation to hospice staff and community Maintain up-to-date knowledge of hospice and palliative medicine, including regulatory changes, clinical guidelines, and innovations in care delivery. Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and accreditation standards related to hospice physician services. Collaborate with organizational leadership to develop, implement, and monitor quality assessment and performance improvement (QAPI) initiatives that address medical aspects of care. Serve as a hospice ambassador within the community, fostering relationships with physicians, referral sources, and healthcare organizations. Act as the primary physician for patients when the attending physician chooses to relinquish care or is unavailable. Oversee the work of associate and alternate medical directors, ensuring consistency in medical decision-making and compliance with organizational standards. Conduct quarterly reviews of patient clinical records for compliance with the plan of care and hospice policies, as required by Pennsylvania regulations, if applicable. Performs other duties as required. Qualifications Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree from an accredited institution. Current, unrestricted license to practice medicine in the state of operation (Florida, Georgia, Texas, or Pennsylvania), meeting all state-specific requirements for hospice medical directors. Maintains controlled substances registration with applicable state and federal agencies. Minimum of two (2) years of experience in hospice or palliative care preferred; training or experience in end-of-life care required. Board certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine strongly preferred. Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team. Not excluded from participation in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required. Demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centered care that reflects Arc Hospice & Palliative Care’s mission, values, and standards of dignity, respect, compassion, and integrity. Physical Requirements / Working Conditions This position requires frequent travel to patient homes, healthcare facilities, and organizational offices. Must be able to move between environments quickly and efficiently. Visual and auditory acuity are essential for patient assessment and effective communication. Work may involve exposure to infectious diseases and varying home or facility conditions. Standard precautions and personal protective equipment must be used as appropriate. This role requires the ability to respond to patient needs outside of normal business hours to ensure continuous availability of physician services.Tips: Provide a summary of the role, what success in the position looks like, and how this role fits into the organization overall. #J-18808-Ljbffr Arc Hospice & Palliative Care