CMS SOM App. M, Tag L590

The hospice medical director, physician employees, and contracted physician(s) of

the hospice, in conjunction with the patient’s attending physician, are responsible

for the palliation and management of the terminal illness and conditions related to

the terminal illness.

(1) All physician employees and those under contract, must function under

the supervision of the hospice medical director.

(2) All physician employees and those under contract shall meet this

requirement by either providing the services directly or through

coordinating patient care with the attending physician.

(3) If the attending physician is unavailable, the medical director,

contracted physician, and/or hospice physician employee is responsible

for meeting the medical needs of the patient.

Interpretive Guidelines §418.64(a)

The medical director may also serve as the physician member of the IDG.