Bringing Value as a LTC Medical Director

V. Simon Mittal, MD, MMM, CHMD
Medical Director, Lake Valley Hospice

This informative session will delve into the multifaceted role of a long-term care Medical Director, emphasizing the importance of leadership, quality care, and collaboration. Participants will gain insights into strategies for enhancing patient outcomes, fostering a culture of excellence, and effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Through real-world case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will learn how to navigate challenges, implement best practices, and drive continuous improvement within their organizations, ultimately bringing significant value to their roles and the residents they serve.

1. Define the role and value of a Medical Director in a skilled nursing facility (SNF).
2. Identify the key areas of responsibility and success for a Medical Director, such as improving quality of care, leading process improvement activities, educating and collaborating with staff, and engaging with regulatory and compliance matters.
3. Discuss the specific regulations, challenges, barriers, and solutions that impact the Medical Director role.
4. Provide examples of how Medical Directors can enhance their effectiveness and satisfaction by utilizing the resources and principles provided by professional organizations such as the American Medical Directors Association (AMDA) and the Certified Medical Director (CMD) program.

Chronic Pain Management and Skilled Nursing Homes: A Review of Recent Research

V. Simon Mittal, MD, MMM, CHMD
Medical Director, Lake Valley Hospice

This session will explore the latest advancements and best practices in chronic pain management treatments within long-term care settings. The focus will be on current best practices, emerging trends, and the critical issue of opioid overuse. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively manage chronic pain in elderly patients while mitigating the risks associated with opioid medications. The session will emphasize the importance of a balanced approach that considers both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions while also addressing common barriers to effective pain management.

1. Summarize key findings from recent research on chronic pain management in skilled nursing homes.
2. Assess the efficacy and safety of emerging pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management therapies in LTC.
3. Integrate evidence-based chronic pain management practices into daily clinical routines to improve patient outcomes.
4. Identify evidence-based strategies for managing chronic pain without relying heavily on opioids.
5. Identify common challenges in pain management in LTC and propose practical solutions to overcome these barriers.

Collaborating with Pharmacists in Drug Management

Betsy P. Reynolds, PharmD
Director of Pharmacy Consulting, Partner, Method Healthcare

This session will explore the vital collaboration between medical directors and pharmacists in managing drug therapies in long-term care settings. Discussion will focus on the roles and responsibilities of medical directors and pharmacists, the benefits of inter-professional collaboration, and strategies for optimizing medication management to improve patient outcomes. Case studies and practical examples will illustrate how effective teamwork can enhance drug safety, reduce medication errors, and ensure adherence to best practices and regulatory requirements.

1. Discuss medical directors' and pharmacists' distinct roles and contributions in LTC settings.
2. Identify the benefits of collaborative drug management in improving patient outcomes and safety.
3. Develop strategies for effective communication and teamwork between medical directors and pharmacists.
4. Analyze case studies to apply best practices in medication management.
5. Recognize regulatory requirements and guidelines governing drug management in LTC environments.

Understanding LTC Compliance and the Survey Process

Steve Garrison, MPA
Health and Safety Division Administrator at the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing

Understanding the latest regulatory requirements helps medical directors ensure their facilities meet all necessary standards, avoiding potential fines and legal issues. This session will cover what a Medical Director can expect from a survey team during an Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) survey. There will be a discussion on immediate jeopardy meetings, a statement of deficiencies, and a plan of correction. The state's relationship with the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) and the informal dispute resolution process will also be reviewed. 

1. Explain what a Medical Director can expect from a survey team during a DIAL survey.
2. Identify the key components and focus areas of a DIAL survey.
3. Describe the purpose and process of immediate jeopardy meetings.
4. Explain the relationship between DIAL and CMS and how this relationship influences the survey process and compliance requirements.
5. Describe the informal dispute resolution process and the role of the Medical Director in the process.