NARHC Forum

Contributor: Peggy Gautreau, Total Family Medical

Hello all. Refresher please. Some states still require a collaborating physicians for middle levels to practice, others do not. However the CMS rules to have a Medical Director is a separate requirement. I am trying to get as detailed as I can the responsibilies of the MEDICAL DIRECTOR. This is what I pulled below but again its still grey as we read it

#1 "Provides medical direction" ?? and "Medical supervision of healthcare staff" 

#2 is fairly straightforward 

#3 periodically??? Also I was under the  understanding they were not required to necessarily see patients. 

Any further details/insight always appreciated

Physician responsibilities. The physician performs the following:

(1) Except for services furnished by a clinical psychologist in an FQHC, which State law permits to be provided without physician supervision, provides medical direction for the clinic's or center's health care activities and consultation for, and medical supervision of, the health care staff.

(2) In conjunction with the physician assistant and/or nurse practitioner member(s), participates in developing, executing, and periodically reviewing the clinic's or center's written policies and the services provided to Federal program patients.

(3) Periodically reviews the clinic's or center's patient records, provides medical orders, and provides medical care services to the patients of the clinic or center.