Medical Director

Job Responsibilities:

In addition to the qualifications for all psychiatrists, the Executive Medical Officer of VPCH shall be an experienced Medical Administrator. The EMO shall be expected to provide medical direction to

lead the treatment teams. Such activities include, but are not limited to:

• Leading team meetings
• Providing oversight of treatment planning processes and documentation
• Serve as an educational and collaborative resource to all members of the clinical team, ensuring facility compliance with medical staff bylaws and alignment with regulatory standards.

The CEO will set the EMOs priorities and work plan after consultation with the Contractor and

DMH Commissioner. Subject to the statutory authority of the DMH Commissioner and the

authority of the CEO with respect to administrative matters, the EMO shall be responsible for the following:

• Participating in the clinical leadership for the development of an integrated system of care that includes VPCH and other psychiatric hospitals or units, as well as community outpatient providers throughout the State. This will include working closely with the DMH Leadership Team, DMH Care Management Team, and the community providers to implement a services system as outlined in Act 79.
• Providing professional guidance in the formulation of clinical policy, procedures, programs, and admission and discharge criteria for VPCH with the objectives that treatment plans will integrate the multiple clinical specialties at VPCH, and that evidence-based medicine is an integral component of clinical decision making.
• Upon the approval and appropriate funding of such policies, procedures, or programs by the State, the EMO shall provide professional guidance in their implementation.
• Providing professional guidance in the formulation of policies and procedures for the admission, treatment, transfer, and discharge of patients at designated hospitals and VPCH that are consistent with best practices in psychiatric care. Meeting all applicable performance standards pertaining to medical staff providers.
• Performing quarterly administrative reviews of all Contractor personnel to assure compliance with VPCH policies and procedures, including but not limited to training, record keeping, matters of medical records, and attendance at mandatory trainings.
• The EMO shall take whatever action necessary to assure that the physicians meet performance targets that comply with these requirements and take whatever disciplinary action necessary in instances of noncompliance. A report on such findings and actions shall be made to the CEO.
• Performing annual written evaluations of all Contractor personnel, with copies provided to the CEO and the DMH Commissioner.
• Contractor may need to oversee on-call provider coverage for VPCH in collaboration with the Medical Staff Office Manager.
• Providing direct care for patients when the need arises.
• The EMO shall collaborate with and assist the CEO to:
  
  
  • Coordinate clinical activities in a manner that is consistent with applicable state and federal law, licensing requirements, and accreditation standards. The State retains primary responsibility for managing and administering all aspects of VPCH, except for those aspects of the clinical program that are the direct responsibility of the Contractor physicians, in compliance with applicable state and federal law, licensing requirements, CMS certification, and Joint Commission accreditation standards.
    
    
  • Review any adverse findings by regulatory bodies or accreditation entities and work to develop and implement corrective action plans to address any such adverse findings.
    
    
  • Inform the CEO of any matter that comes to their attention that may place either patients or the community at risk, or that may result in adverse publicity or the loss of public confidence in VPCH.
    
    
  • Identify new opportunities and initiatives for managing service delivery costs, including ensuring that VPCH follows appropriate prescribing practices and best practices for management of inpatients with chronic diseases or multiple co-morbidities.
    
    
  • Participate in the formulation and implementation of all clinical education, training, and research programs, taking an active personal role in teaching and research relating to public mental health systems.

Job Requirements:

• Possess a degree from an accredited School of Medicine
• Shall be either Board Certified or Board Eligible by the applicable American specialty board
• Shall hold an unrestricted license to practice medicine in the State of Vermont
• Shall hold unrestricted clinical privileges pertaining to the provision of care to inpatient psychiatric patients at VPCH