Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) & Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Position Overview
The Psychiatric Practitioner serves as the primary prescribing provider within the PHP & IOP program. This role is critical for ensuring psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and medical oversight for all patients admitted. The PNP provides services consistent with Idaho Medicaid, the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan (IBHP), IDAPA 16.05.06, and Magellan Healthcare’s credentialing and care guidelines.
The prescriber collaborates with therapists, nurses, case managers, Medical Director, and the Clinical Director to ensure that care is recovery-oriented, evidence-based, and provided in the least restrictive environment.
Regulatory Authority
•IDAPA 16.05.06.200–299 – Defines provider qualifications and scope of practice within behavioral health agencies.
•IDAPA 16.05.06.252–257 – Requires prescriber oversight for admission, continued stay, and discharge planning.
•IBHP Appendix C – Requires psychiatric evaluation, physical examination, medication management, and prescriber participation in multidisciplinary treatment.
•IBHP Provider Handbook Supplement (2025) – Requires prescribers to complete background checks, participate in authorizations, and maintain licensure with DEA registration.
•Magellan Organizational & Facility Handbook – Requires verification of prescriber licensure, credentialing, and DEA registration.
•42 CFR § 438.210 – Requires medical necessity justification for authorization of services.
•42 CFR Part 2 / HIPAA – Governs confidentiality of patient records and disclosures.
Key Responsibilities1. Psychiatric Evaluation
•Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations within 7 days of admission (IDAPA 16.05.06.252).
•Document DSM-5 diagnosis, functional impairments, risk assessments, and medical comorbidities.
•Collaborate with the therapist to integrate psychiatric findings into the treatment plan.
2. Medication Management
•Provide weekly medication reviews for PHP patients and at least monthly reviews for IOP patients, or more frequently as clinically indicated.
•Document medication decisions, informed consent, and side effect monitoring in accordance with 42 CFR § 438.210(d).
•Educate patients and families on medication purpose, side effects, adherence, and safety.
•Coordinate with nursing staff for daily medication reconciliation and monitoring.
3. Treatment Team Collaboration
•Attend weekly multidisciplinary team meetings to review patient progress.
•Provide psychiatric consultation to therapists and case managers regarding patient care.
•Participate in discharge planning, ensuring appropriate medication continuity and outpatient follow-up.
4. Compliance & Credentialing
•Maintain unrestricted Idaho advanced practice nursing license with prescriptive authority.
•Maintain current DEA registration for controlled substance prescribing.
•Complete required IBHP background check (Idaho DHW BCU).
•Participate in Magellan credentialing and recredentialing every three years.
•Document all services in compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality standards.
5. Quality Assurance & Medical Necessity
•Ensure all prescriptions and psychiatric services meet medical necessity criteria defined in Magellan Care Guidelines.
•Provide documentation supporting PHP/IOP level of care for admission and continued stay authorizations.
•Review treatment records for compliance during internal QA audits.
•Participate in Magellan treatment record reviews and site visits.
6. Risk Management
•Evaluate and document suicide risk, homicidal ideation, and psychosis during each evaluation.
•Ensure individualized safety plans are integrated into treatment plans (IDAPA 16.05.06.320).
•Collaborate with crisis teams when emergency psychiatric stabilization is required.
•Monitor and report adverse drug reactions and sentinel events.
Staff Role Collaboration
•With Clinical Director: Collaborates to ensure clinical oversight, policy compliance, and integration of psychiatric care into program philosophy.
•With Therapists: Supports evidence-based treatment by aligning medication management with therapy interventions.
•With Nursing Staff: Directs nursing staff in medication reconciliation, patient education, and monitoring side effects.
•With Case Managers/Peers: Ensures continuity of care during transitions and aftercare planning.
•With Administrative Staff: Provides timely documentation for authorizations, billing, and compliance reporting.
Required Qualifications
•Master’s degree or Doctorate in Nursing (PMHNP preferred).
•Current Idaho APRN or PA license with unrestricted prescriptive authority.
•DEA registration for prescribing controlled substances.
•At least two years of psychiatric experience, preferably in intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization settings.
•Idaho DHW BCU clearance and no record of Medicaid/Medicare exclusions.
•Knowledge of Magellan Care Guidelines, IBHP standards, and IDAPA 16.05.06.
•Certification in CANS/ANSA within 6 months of hire if serving youth/adults.
Performance Expectations
•Psychiatric evaluations completed within required 7-day timeframe for 100% of admissions.
•Medication management notes entered within 24 hours of service.
•Documentation meets Magellan record review standards with no critical deficiencies.
•Active participation in weekly treatment team meetings and discharge planning for 100% of patients.
•Zero tolerance for prescribing without documentation of informed consent or medical necessity.
Working Conditions
•Part-time or full-time position depending on census.
•Primarily office-based within the PHP/IOP facility, with potential for telehealth appointments as permitted under IBHP rules.
•Accessible for after-hours consultation in emergencies.
Accountability
The Psychiatric Practitioner reports directly to the Clinical Director/Program Manager and is clinically accountable to the agency’s Medical Director (if separate). This role carries responsibility for ensuring that all psychiatric services meet state, federal, and payer regulations, while supporting the program’s mission of recovery-oriented, least-restrictive behavioral healthcare.
Job Type: Contract
Pay: From $2,000.00 per month
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
