GENERAL PURPOSE:

The primary function is oversight of physician services and the medical component of hospice. Responsibilities include promoting and maintaining the standards of practice consistent with quality hospice care. Serves as member of IDT.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assumes overall responsibility for the medical component of the hospice program, including providing oversight of physician services.

• Serves on the IDT, attends interdisciplinary team meetings, participates in the patient care planning process, and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to promote coordination of patient care.

• Provides medical direction and education to the clinical staff, assuring that the patient receives appropriate measures to control symptoms.

• Collaborates with the attending physician to develop and update the POC to identify needs not met by the attending to insure pain and symptom control.

• Certifies and Re-certifies patients as appropriate for hospice.

• Maintains current knowledge of the latest research and trends in hospice care and pain/symptom management.

• Works with the IDT in a team approach, participating in performance improvement program.

• Demonstrates knowledge in communications and counseling patient/family in dealing with end-of- life issues.

• Participates in the development and updating of patient care policies and emergency procedures.

• Provides consultation and education to colleagues and attending physicians related to admission.

• criteria for hospice and palliative care.

• Acts as a liaison to physicians in the community.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Graduate of an accredited college/university with a doctorate degree in medicine or doctor of osteopathy and is fully licensed to practice medicine.

• Board certified in a related specialty.

Skills

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communication with all segments of the staff, the lay, and professional public, the Board of Directors, Interdisciplinary Team, and other physicians.

• Has expertise in the medical care of terminally ill individuals.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT:

Prolonged sitting is required. Requires ability to always handle stressful situations in a calm and courteous manner. Requires working under some stressful conditions to meet deadlines and agency needs.