Hospice Medical Director

*Schedule: 7 days on/7 days off*

-MUST BE LOCAL

Provides overall management of medical care of Agency patients and make sure the provision of Hospice services reflects Eden’s philosophy and standards. The Medical Director works to establish relationships with the medical community in order to increase awareness and provide education about Hospice and Palliative Care.

• Directs and coordinates medical care for the Agency.
• Participates in administrative decision making and establishes policies, procedures, and guidelines designed to provide adequate, comprehensive care.
• Communicates with patients’ attending physicians and other healthcare providers regarding the Agency’s policies, procedures, and standards.
• Develops and implements rules, regulations, and policies that govern the attending physicians that admit patients to the Agency, in conjunction with the administration.
• Monitors the clinical practice of the attending physicians; may intervene as needed on the patient’s behalf.
• Assists in developing procedures for the emergency treatment of patients. May assume care of the patient if the attending physician is not available or the patient does not have an attending physician.
• Assists with the development of policies and procedures for the admission, transfer, or discharge of patients to other facilities when necessary.
• Participates in patient comprehensive care planning.
• Participates in the development and implementation of educational programs for nursing and other healthcare professionals of the Agency.
• Provides clear, concise documentation in medical record as it relates to reimbursement guidelines and Agency policy and procedure.
• Reviews and evaluates incident reports and identifies hazards to health and safety to provide a safe and sanitary environment for patients. Makes relevant recommendations to Administration.
• Helps create environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• Advocates on behalf of the patient to meet the patient’s medical and psychosocial needs.
• Develops, revises, and implements policies and procedures for patient care, infection prevention and control, performance improvement, and patient rights.
• Establishes performance improvement monitoring programs and standards to make sure the Agency maintains accreditation, licensing, and quality patient care.
• Monitors and evaluates the quality and appropriateness of medical services as an integral part of the overall performance improvement program.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity.
• Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patients and their families.
• Demonstrates extensive knowledge of hospice and palliative care.
• Demonstrates knowledge of current pain management protocols.
• Effectively and consistently communicates administrative directives to physicians and staff and encourages interactive meetings and discussions.
• Presents periodic reports reflecting the medical services of the Agency and such special reports as may be required by the Board.
• Develops educational classes for healthcare professionals and the community regarding hospice and palliative care.
• Acts as the Agency’s medical representative in the community.
• Provides direct patient medical care:
• Approves Patient Admittance
• Confirms Patient Diagnosis and Prognosis
• Recertifies Patients for Each Benefit Period
• Pain Management
• Symptom Management
• Palliative Care
• Inpatient Rounds
• Home Visits
• On Call
• Prescribes Medications and Other Regulated Medical Devices

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Medicine or Osteopathy.
• Currently licensed to practice medicine in the state of employment.
• Current Board Certification in specialty area. Board certified by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine preferred.
• Drug Enforcement Administration Registration.
• Presentation of Certificate of Insurance.
• Experience in hospice and palliative care required.
• Administrative experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Able to pass criminal background check and national sex offender clearance.
• Must be able to perform patient care as needed.