The Medical Director provides overall medical oversight for hospice patients, focusing on certification of terminal illness, pain and symptom management, and review of plans of care for terminally ill adults. This role supports attending physicians and the interdisciplinary team, with responsibilities that include IDT participation, quality review, patient/family counseling, and ensuring continuity of hospice medical services. The position also includes regulatory compliance, staff education, and community-facing hospice advocacy.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide overall medical direction for the hospice program and support adherence to hospice policies and procedures.
- Consult with attending physicians on pain control, symptom management, medications, and treatments for hospice patients.
- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and serve as a medical resource to the hospice care team.
- Certify and recertify terminal illness, including required clinical narratives and physician attestations.
- Review, approve, and update plans of care, including modifications when the attending physician is unavailable.
- Perform face-to-face encounter assessments for ongoing hospice benefit periods as required.
- Provide education and training to physicians, staff, and volunteers on hospice and end-of-life care.
- Support QAPI efforts, policy review, and quality improvement related to hospice care and medical education.
Required
- Current and valid California physician and surgeon license without restriction or disciplinary action.
- At least 2 years of full-time supervisory or managerial experience in hospice, home health, or palliative care within the last 5 years.
- Maintains controlled substances registration with state and federal authorities.
- Not excluded from Medicare or Medi-Cal participation.
- Meets California regulatory requirements for hospice medical director qualifications.
Preferred
- Board certification in hospice medical direction through HMDCB or in Hospice and Palliative Medicine through ABMS or AOA.
- Substantial hospice or palliative care experience with strong end-of-life symptom management knowledge.
- Experience with Medicare hospice benefit requirements and regulatory documentation.
- Strong communication and counseling skills with patients and families.
- Ongoing participation in hospice or palliative care education.
Benefits & Perks
- Full-time or part-time employment or contract arrangements may be available.
- Salary range is listed as $60,000-$120,000.
- Orientation and ongoing training are provided, including required hospice education.
- Role includes interdisciplinary team support and established hospice care workflows.