MEDICAL DIRECTION IN The Nursing Home

1. MEDICAL DIRECTION IN The NursingHome ltcpractice.com

2. Who provides medical care in the nursing home? • Physicians • Nurse Practitioners • Physicians Assistants Each of these providers can be expected to have education and experience in caring for Geriatric patients. ltcpractice.com

3. Who is responsible for these providers? The Medical Director By government regulation the nursing home must designate a physician to serve as Medical Director. This M.D. may also provide care for some of the nursing home residents. ltcpractice.com

4. What are some of the roles of the Medical Director? • Coordinates medical care • Implements resident care policies • Complies with federal, state and local laws • Knows professional standards of care • Monitors care provided by all the nursing home providers ltcpractice.com

5. What are some of the duties of the Medical Director? A. Assure that resident care policies are followed. Policy examples: • Admission and discharge of resident • Infection control within facility • Accident and incident prevention • Use of mechanical restraints • Use & release of clinical information Etc. ltcpractice.com

6. Evaluate and monitor all quality of care.Examples: • Ancillary services, i.e. laboratory, x-ray, podiatry • Pharmacy vendor, i.e. drug use & availability • Consultant services, i.e. locating & credentialing • Residents’ rights, i.e. enforcing Bill of Rights ltcpractice.com

7. C. Exercise medical and clinical leadership.Examples: • Understands health codes for nursing homes • Familiar with applicable accreditation standards • Current with best clinical practices for frail elderly • Teaches other staff as needed or requested In an emergency assumes responsibility for care of resident whose own physician is unavailable. ltcpractice.com

8. . Monitor safety of residents and staff.Examples: • Participates in employee health and safety program. • Ensures a safe and sanitary environment in nursing home. • Reviews accident and incident reports. • Identifies environmental and clinical risks. ltcpractice.com

9. . E. Represent the nursing home.Examples: • In relationship to all providers, residents, staff and families • In any official medical review • To the medical community and community at large ltcpractice.com

10. . How does the Medical Director accomplish this? The Medical Director demonstrates leadership and fulfils these roles in concert with all the disciplines within the nursing home. There is interaction with other medical providers as colleagues. There is collaboration with the Administrator, Director of Nursing and ancillary staff. Above all there is a dedication to improve thequality of life for the nursing home resident.. ltcpractice.com

11. . Can family members and responsible parties communicate with the Medical Director? The Medical Director is available to talk with any family member or responsible party. Whether the Medical Director is the physician for your loved one or not you may still wish to meet this physician. Contact information can be obtained from the Administrator. ltcpractice.com yes