Hospice Medical Director 13 Week Contact
Job at a glance
Job description
Job Title: Hospice Medical Director 13 Week Contact
Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer / Administrator
Employment Type: Part-Time / Contract / Hourly
24/7 ability to receive calls and send in prescriptions
Position Summary
The Hospice Medical Director provides clinical leadership and oversight for the hospice program, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compassionate care for terminally ill patients and their families. The Medical Director collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to guide care planning, compliance with regulatory standards, and continuous quality improvement. This role supports the organization’s mission to honor dignity, comfort, and quality of life at the end of life.
Job Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership
Provide medical oversight and guidance for hospice services in accordance with federal, state, and accrediting body standards (e.g., CMS Conditions of Participation).
Ensure timely and appropriate initial and ongoing patient assessments, including establishing the terminal prognosis.
Review and approve plans of care developed by the interdisciplinary team.
Participate in clinical case conferences and team meetings.
Physician Support & Collaboration
Serve as a resource and consultant for hospice physicians, nurses, social workers, and other staff.
Facilitate communication and coordination between attending physicians and the hospice care team.
Provide education and mentorship on hospice care best practices, symptom management, and palliative care principles.
Ensure documentation standards are met for patient records, certifications, and recertifications.
Regulatory & Accreditation Engagement
Support readiness for surveys and inspections by CMS and accrediting organizations (e.g., CHAP, ACHC, The Joint Commission).
Maintain awareness of changes in healthcare regulations and hospice standards of practice.
Community & Patient Family Engagement
Represent the hospice organization to external stakeholders, including community providers and referral sources.
Participate in community outreach and education to increase awareness of hospice services.
Serve as a clinical spokesperson when appropriate.
Qualifications
Minimum 3–5 years’ clinical practice, including experience in hospice, palliative care, geriatrics, or related field preferred.
Prior leadership or medical director experience preferred.
Licensure & Certification
Current, unrestricted medical license in New Mexico.
Board certification in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, Palliative Care, or related specialty preferred.
Working Hours
May involve home visits, facility visits, and participation in team meetings.
Occasional after-hours consultation for clinical issues.
Skills