CORRECTIONS CHIEF PHYSICIAN 42323

12/01/91 A

This is the second class in the Corrections Physician series for positions that provide the highest level of professional medical services for offenders in the Department of Corrections. This single position class directs the provision of care and treatment to physically ill or injured patients and establishes ongoing general health practices for the institutions. Responsibilities include establishing policies and setting standards for medical services, developing methods of quality assurance pertaining to medical services, and serving as medical consultant to the Department. The class is distinguished from the Institutional Physician class by the responsibility to establish standards and direct physicians' services for the Department of Corrections.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of unusual difficulty in the development of policies and standards to govern the work of physicians throughout the Department. Establishes general guidelines for the provision of appropriate general health care practices among offenders. Evaluates the work of medical staff, conducts medical audits at the various facilities, and establishes a system of peer review to assess quality of care provided at the institutions. Serves as medical consultant to staff physicians; coordinates admission of offenders to state and private hospitals; reviews need for medical specialists at facilities, reviews credentials of candidates, and recommends approval of contract physicians. Reviews physician staffing needs at institutions and recommends transfers among facilities as warranted. Establishes policies and sets standards for medical services provided within correctional facilities. Reviews medical data and writes summaries of circumstances surrounding unnatural or unattended deaths of offenders. Conducts research and represents the Department on legal issues which pertain to medical treatment. Coordinates special training programs for physicians in the Department. May provide direct medical care in emergency situations.

Supervision Given: No formal supervision is provided by this position. Provides professional guidance to all Institutional Physicians within the Department of Corrections.

Supervision Received: Receives administrative direction from the Corrections Health Services Administrator.

Scope: Decisions made by this class affect the quality of medical care provided to offenders in institutions throughout the state.

Impact of Actions: Work decisions have serious impact on offenders' health and well-being. Failure to ensure competent review of physician services may result in inadequate medical treatment which may be costly to the State and dangerous to inmates' health.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contact with Institutional Physicians and other medical staff, wardens, and state and private hospitals regarding medical considerations. Infrequent internal and external contacts with legal advisers concerning medical and legal matters.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of medical care administration and of diagnosis and treatment of physical or health disorders.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to diagnose and prescribe treatments for illnesses and injuries; and to develop policies and standards relevant to physicians' care of patients.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: Possession of a license to practice medicine in Virginia.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited medical school, and completion of an approved internship or residency in a medical specialty.

Level and Type of Experience: Considerable experience in an institutional environment.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This specification was revised by the Department of Corrections as the result of the ongoing Classification Review/Specification Update program, effective December 1991.