Hospice and Palliative Care Physician

Hospice and Palliative Care Physician

SUMMARY:

The Physician Designee provides hospice and palliative medical services to patients and families served by Hospice of the Upstate. This role functions in accordance with federal and state regulations, Medicare hospice Conditions of Participation, accrediting body standards, and Hospice policies. The Physician Designee collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to ensure high-quality, compliant, and compassionate end-of-life care without regard to patient demographics or background. Reports to the CEO administratively and Hospice House Medical Director for clinical oversight. 

QUALIFICATIONS and CREDENTIALS:

Education & Licensure

·        Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)

·        Current, unrestricted license to practice medicine in South Carolina

Board Status

·        Board Certified or Board Eligible in one of the following:

o   Geriatrics

o   Family Medicine

o   Hospice and Palliative Medicine

Credentials & Regulatory Status

·        Valid DEA registration and controlled substance licenses

·        No history of exclusion, suspension, or sanction from Medicare, Medicaid, or other government healthcare programs

·        No healthcare-related criminal convictions

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical Care & Medical Oversight

·        Provide physician services as outlined in the Hospice of the Upstate Position Description and as amended by Hospice, as needed.

·        Deliver professional specialty services in geriatrics, family medicine, or hospice and palliative care upon request and with Hospice authorization.

·        Provide care that is safe, effective, and delivered in accordance with each patient’s individualized plan of care.

·        Furnish services related to the patient’s terminal illness or condition requiring palliative or supportive care.

·        Respond to consultation requests from a patient’s attending physician and:

o   Document the consultation request in the patient’s medical record

o   Provide written findings and care recommendations to the attending physician and Hospice

Compliance & Regulatory Adherence

·        Perform all duties in compliance with:

o   Federal, state, and local laws and regulations

o   Medicare, Medicaid, and third-party payer requirements

o   Joint Commission standards

o   American Medical Association standards

o   Hospice of the Upstate policies and procedures

·        Maintain ethical medical practice and uphold non-discrimination principles in all patient care activities.

Documentation & Medical Records

·        Maintain accurate, timely, and complete medical records necessary to:

o   Fully disclose services provided

o   Meet legal, regulatory, payor, and accreditation requirements

·        Ensure all patient records, case histories, and related documentation are completed according to Hospice standards and acknowledge that all such records remain the property of Hospice of the Upstate.

·        Access patient records only as necessary for patient care, review of care, or other reasonable professional purposes related to services provided.

Professional Standards & Collaboration

·        Maintain active, unrestricted medical licensure in the State of South Carolina.

·        Maintain required controlled substance registrations and licenses.

·        Collaborate with Hospice leadership and the interdisciplinary care team while recognizing Hospice’s administrative and financial oversight responsibilities.

·        Refrain from incurring financial obligations or making expenditures on behalf of Hospice without prior approval.

ETHICAL and LEGAL AUSSURANCES:

·        Certify that the Physician has not been excluded, sanctioned, or barred from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal or state healthcare programs.

·        Immediately notify Hospice of the Upstate, in writing, of any change in professional standing, licensure, or eligibility that would affect the ability to perform duties.

·        Acknowledge that the role of Physician Designee is not offered and shall not be used as an inducement for patient referrals or remuneration of any kind.

COMPETENCIES

·        Knowledge of hospice and palliative care regulations

·        Strong clinical judgment and medical decision-making

·        Excellent documentation and communication skills

·        Commitment to ethical practice and compassionate end-of-life care

·        Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team

WORKING CONDITIONS:

·        Services provided in Rainey Hospice House, patient homes, facilities, or other approved care settings

·        Schedule and duties based on patient care needs and Hospice authorization