New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 8 - SOCIAL SERVICES
Chapter 370 - OVERSIGHT OF LICENSED HEALTHCARE FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY BASED WAIVER PROGRAMS
Part 16 - REQUIREMENTS FOR LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES
Section 8.370.16.48 - MEDICAL DIRECTION IN SKILLED CARE FACILITIES

A. Medical director: Every skilled care facility shall retain, pursuant to a written agreement, a physician to serve as medical director on a part-time or full-time basis as is appropriate for the needs of the residents and the facility. If the facility has an organized medical staff, the medical director shall be designated by the medical staff with approval of the licensee.

B. Coordination of medical care: Medical direction and coordination of medical care in the facility shall be provided by the medical director. The medical director shall be responsible for development of written rules and regulations which shall be approved by the licensee and include delineation of the responsibilities of attending physicians. If there is an organized medical staff, by-laws also shall be developed by the medical director and approved by the licensee. Coordination of medical care shall include liaison with attending physician to provide that physicians' orders are written promptly upon admission of a resident, that periodic evaluations of the adequacy and appropriateness of health professional and supportive staff and services are conducted, and that the medical needs of the residents are met.

C. Responsibilities to the facility: The medical director shall monitor the health status of the facility's employees. Incidents and accidents that occur on the premises shall be reviewed by the medical director to identify hazards to health and safety.