Md. Code Regs. 10.07.21.13

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 10.07.21.13 - Physician Services

A. Medical Director. The hospice care program shall have a medical director who shall be:

(1) A physician licensed to practice medicine in this State; and

(2) Knowledgeable about the psychosocial and medical aspects of hospice care.

B. Medical Director Duties. The medical director is responsible for:

(1) Reviewing, coordinating, and managing the clinical and medical care for all patients in the hospice care program;

(2) Consulting with attending physicians regarding pain and symptom control;

(3) Reviewing patient eligibility for hospice services;

(4) Acting as the medical resource for the interdisciplinary team;

(5) Acting as the liaison to physicians in the community; and

(6) Designating a physician to contact in case the medical director is unavailable.

C. Attending Physician. An attending physician shall provide initial and ongoing medical services to the patient and participate in the development of the interdisciplinary plan of care.

D. Attending Physician Duties. At a minimum, the attending physician shall provide the following information before the patient is admitted to the hospice care program:

(1) Admitting diagnosis and prognosis;

(2) Current medical findings;

(3) Dietary restrictions;

(4) Medication and treatment orders, including instructions for symptom management; and

(5) Information concerning the medical management of patient conditions unrelated to the terminal illness.

E. The hospice care program shall ensure that the attending physician designates another physician to contact in case the attending physician is unavailable.

Md. Code Regs. 10.07.21.13

Regulations .13 adopted effective August 10, 1998 (25:16 Md. R. 1274)