Contract Medical Director - Hospice

Otterbein is a not-for-profit, faith-based ministry that is a national leader and innovator in retirement living communities and long-term care.  Otterbein is seeking a Contract Medical Director, to assist in the growth of our Hospice ministry. Otterbein Hospice compliments already strong independent senior services, outpatient capabilities and clinical facilities at Otterbein. 

Responsibilities

Be responsible for directing and coordinating medical care provided by the Hospice

Assist in the development of transfer and emergency treatment policies and procedures

Participate in client care conferences and guide administrative staff in the development and implementation of medically related Hospice programs and client care policies and activities

Assist in developing written rules and requirements for all licensed independent practitioners who have privileges at the Hospice

Consult with attending physician and the Interdisciplinary Team in establishing a written plan of care for each client, and in reviewing and updating the plan of care at intervals specified in the plan

Obtain necessary certification of a hospice client as terminally ill as required by state and federal regulations

Verify credentials of physicians who seek appointment as members of the medical staff of the Hospice and then subsequently approve the physicians' credentials with the Hospice Program Director

Ensure that an alternate credentialed physician would be available to respond to the needs of the Hospice in his/her absence due to vacations, illness or other extenuating circumstances

Provide emergency medical coverage in cases of emergent situations requiring physician intervention for all clients including when the clients own attending physician may not be available

Participate in appropriate planning and presentation of the Hospice's in-service education program for associates and volunteers.

Provide consultation to Hospice staff in the development of an adequate medical record system

Participate, as appropriate, in the Hospice's performance improvement and utilization review activities

Provide the Program Director with a written summary of appraisals, recommendations, plans relative to resident care activities, appropriateness of the Hospice's scope of services, medical equipment and staffing on a quarterly basis.

Consult with Hospice administration regarding the Hospice's ability to meet the clients' needs and about future client care programs

Evaluate occurrence worksheets reported to risk management, assist in identifying safety hazards and make recommendations to improve the Hospice's service delivery.

Keep current with policies and programs of public health agencies that may affect client care

Represent Hospice to both the medical and non-medical community through presentations, meetings, and media to better its understanding and acceptance by the community

Monitor employee health and advise the Program Director on employee health policies

Comply with the policies, rules, and regulations of and with federal, state and local laws and rules and regulation of any governmental agency or public authority and the appropriate accrediting agencies

Qualifications

TRAINING/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Must hold a medical degree and have advanced knowledge of hospice philosophy and concept

Demonstrated expertise with terminally ill patients and families

At least two years of experience in long term care as a consultant, advisory committee member or admitting physician, and in the provision of gerontological medicine