Dr. Stanciu: How do you keep up-to-date on the latest rules and regulations to ensure facility compliance?
Dr. Penders: Medical directors attend many professional meetings, both within their organizations and outside, which assures that information is provided on regulatory initiatives from government bodies and organizations such as the Joint Commission.
Hospital risk managers and attorneys also play a part in keeping everyone honest when it comes to changes in laws governing our work.
Dr. Stanciu: How is it working in a supervisory capacity with other physicians and the growing number of mid-level providers and their expanding scope of practice?
Dr. Penders: There is a variety of opinions today about the relationship between physicians and mid-level providers. Fairly recently, nurse practitioners and physician assistants were known as “extenders.” We don’t hear that term as much anymore, as these providers are becoming increasingly independent in their practice roles.
The supervisory challenge varies with each situation. Most hospital organizations have medical staff rules and regulations that define the relationships within hospitals. Efforts in outpatient care are often less well defined, and supervisory relationships can be tailored to the specific effort involved.
Continue to: Is there a stipend or additional compensation for administrative duties?