CMD Professional Standards & Competencies 3

Question 1

A facility's annual survey reveals a deficiency in antibiotic stewardship practices. As Medical Director, your FIRST priority should be to:

Accepted Answer

Conduct a root cause analysis and develop a corrective action plan

Answer

Root cause analysis identifies the underlying system failures driving deficiencies, which is necessary before implementing meaningful corrective interventions.

Question 2

The Medical Director role in managing a facility's infection control program PRIMARILY involves:

Accepted Answer

Providing medical oversight and clinical guidance to the infection preventionist

Answer

The Medical Director provides clinical leadership and oversight to the infection control program, partnering with the infection preventionist rather than performing hands-on technical tasks.

Question 3

Under what circumstance is it MOST appropriate for a Medical Director to override an attending physician's clinical decision in a long-term care setting?

Accepted Answer

When the decision poses a clear and immediate risk to resident safety

Answer

Overriding a physician's clinical judgment is justified only when there is a demonstrable, immediate patient safety risk—not differences in style or preference.

Question 4

Which principle from the AMDA Code of Ethics MOST directly applies when a Medical Director must balance cost-containment directives from facility ownership with individual resident care needs?

Accepted Answer

Nonmaleficence and beneficence

Answer

Nonmaleficence (do no harm) and beneficence (act in the patient's best interest) are the primary ethical principles that must guide clinical decisions, even under financial pressure.

Question 5

A Medical Director is asked to sign off on a facility policy that allows nurses to independently adjust insulin doses without a physician order. The BEST response is to:

Accepted Answer

Review relevant state nurse practice act and facility protocols before deciding

Answer

The Medical Director must ensure policies comply with applicable state nurse practice acts and regulatory standards before endorsing any scope-of-practice expansion.

(CMD) Certified Medical Director Practice Test

(CMD) Certified Medical Director Practice Test

CMD Professional Standards & Competencies 3