Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

Key Responsibilities

• • Performs admission work-ups to facilitate the admission process including complete evaluations for medical/legal opinions for official proceedings.
• • Exercises clinical privileges granted by the Hospital Director as detailed in the Clinical Privileges Form.
• • Performs medical screening of admissions, including physician-to-physician communication when indicated.
• • Performs a comprehensive psychiatric history and complete physical examination on assigned patients; orders and reviews appropriate laboratory, radiological and other diagnostic procedures, psychological evaluations, surgical and medical consultations, and appropriate pharmacologic, psychotherapeutic and adjunctive treatments; and documents all progress notes, re-certifications and retention reviews as well as treatment orders in patient’s medical record.
• • On units, conducts ward rounds with charge nurse to monitor mental and physical changes, which may require treatment modification.
• • Confers with patients’ relatives, including proxy decision-makers (authorized representatives), to inform them of patient’s condition, changes in physical or mental status and treatment recommendations and to encourage their participation in the overall patient management.
• • Provides patient and family education as required.
• • Confers with consultants to ensure accurate interpretations and timely consideration of their recommendations and, in cases where patients are admitted to another hospital, to follow the patient’s progress.
• • Performs in-house medical consultations as requested by other staff physicians, within the scope of clinical privileging and expertise.
• • Participates in commitment and recommitment hearings as appropriate.
• • Complies fully with Catawba Hospital Policy and Procedures and the Medical Staff Bylaws, Rules and Regulations.
• • Attends and participates in medical staff meetings, as applicable, in-service training and internal and external continuing medical education functions at the request of Chief Medical Officer.
• • Timely completes all required annual training – e.g., in the Knowledge Center. Communicates barriers meeting deadlines to the Executive Secretary for Medical Services.
• • Enters timely and thorough progress notes, including AMM, as applicable, patients seen and evaluated, transfer notes, seclusion /restraint, level changes, medication changes, treatment modifications, etc.
• • Gives opinions and recommendations where appropriate on patient’s legal status, capacity to give informed consent regarding medication administration, release of information, and competency to manage his/her affairs independently, advanced directives.
• • Accurately enters progress notes and CPT Codes when participating in an event or a procedure that can result in reimbursement.
• • All other duties as assigned by the Chief Medical Officer.
• • Reports unsafe work situations to the appropriate department/discipline.
• • Follows guidelines of department/hospital policies that involve safety issues.
• • Covers MOD shift for which responsible.
• • Covers an equitable portion of holiday shifts.
• • Contributes to a productive work environment through positive interactions with co-workers and supervisors.
• • Uses appropriate lines of communication and resources within the system to facilitate change and resolve problems.
• • Uses appropriate conflict management techniques and resources to resolve problems with co-workers in a timely manner.
• • Interactions with co-workers, patients and families reflect an attitude of respect and courtesy.
• • Uses appropriate interactions and effective communication skills to facilitate positive patient outcomes.
• • Demonstrates customer service and supports a culture of service with co-workers, colleagues, community stakeholders, patients and families.