Medical Director

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director

Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Medical Director provides overall medical, clinical, and quality oversight for the Critical Access Behavioral Health Agency (CABHA). This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, medically necessary behavioral health services in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, including North Carolina Medicaid (DMA) regulations, accreditation standards, and CABHA requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

The Medical Director must:

• Be enrolled as a provider and in good standing with the North Carolina Division of Medical Assistance (DMA)
• Meet one of the following criteria:
• Board-certified or board-eligible psychiatrist (MD or DO) through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, licensed in North Carolina; OR
• A North Carolina licensed physician with ASAM or ABAM certification (for substance abuse-only services); OR
• A North Carolina licensed physician approved through the DMA exception process, with board certification/eligibility in:
• Family Medicine
• Internal Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Have a minimum of two (2) years post-residency experience:
• Diagnosing, treating, and evaluating behavioral health conditions
• Providing face-to-face clinical care to individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders
• Experience must reflect direct service delivery (not limited to medical necessity reviews)

FTE Requirements (Based on CABHA Size)

• 750+ consumers: 100% FTE (may be shared by up to 2 physicians)
• 376–749 consumers: Minimum 50% FTE
• ≤375 consumers: Minimum 20% FTE

FTE limitations and billable service hours must comply with CABHA regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership & Oversight

• Provide direct oversight of all medical, clinical, and quality management functions
• Ensure compliance with:
• North Carolina Medicaid policies
• CABHA regulations
• Accreditation standards
• Applicable federal and state laws
• Lead practice improvement and quality assurance initiatives

Policy Development & Compliance

• Develop and implement policies for:
• Consumer admission, reassessment, transfer, and discharge
• Delivery of medically necessary and evidence-based services
• Ensure compliance with:
• North Carolina Medical Board regulations
• American Psychiatric Association treatment guidelines
• Telemedicine requirements (DMA Clinical Coverage Policy 1H)

Clinical Supervision & Staff Oversight

• Supervise and provide direction to:
• Physicians
• Nurse Practitioners
• Physician Assistants
• Clinical staff
• Conduct:
• Clinical case reviews
• Peer reviews
• Quality of care audits
• Maintain a regular on-site or virtual presence using secure telehealth platforms

Consumer Care & Treatment Oversight

• Ensure completion of:
• Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations
• Clinical assessments
• Level of care determinations
• Participate in:
• Treatment team meetings
• High-risk and complex case reviews

Incident Review & Risk Management

• Review and respond to all critical incidents, including:
• Medication errors or diversion
• Allegations of abuse or neglect
• Injuries to consumers or staff
• Consumer deaths (within 120 days of service)
• Ensure proper documentation, reporting, and corrective action

Quality Management & Data Oversight

• Serve on the Quality Management Committee
• Monitor and evaluate:
• Service access and engagement
• Treatment effectiveness
• Consumer outcomes and satisfaction
• Utilization trends (including crisis and inpatient services)

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in leadership meetings and strategic planning
• Ensure ethical medical decision-making aligned with professional standards
• Perform other duties as assigned within scope of practice

Work Environment & Expectations

• Combination of administrative and clinical responsibilities
• May include telehealth and in-person services
• Must maintain documentation and reporting compliance

Pay: $50,128.36 - $60,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person