Chief Medical Officer (CMO)

South Sound Behavioral Hospital•Lacey, WA

1d•$280,000 - $350,000•Onsite

About The Position

As our Chief Medical Officer (CMO), you will serve as the clinical leader of the hospital, guiding the quality, safety, and overall direction of care. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role where you will work closely with the executive team to ensure patients receive thoughtful, evidence-based care in a safe and supportive environment. You will help shape clinical strategy, support providers, and play a key role in the hospital's growth and evolution. This role is ideal for someone who values both clinical excellence and building strong, collaborative teams, offering an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Requirements

MD or DO required.
Board certification in Psychiatry is required.
Active, unrestricted medical license (or ability to obtain).
Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the psychiatric/mental health field.
Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in a medical leadership role.
Strong knowledge of Joint Commission and CMS standards, OSHA regulations, patient rights standards, and all other applicable federal and state laws and regulations governing mental health care facilities.

Nice To Haves

Inpatient psychiatric or behavioral health hospital experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the clinical vision and provide direction and oversight for all medical and psychiatric services.
Define and ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality care.
Support providers in complex or high-risk cases.
Encourage the use of evidence-based practices and continuous improvement.
Support and develop the medical staff, including recruiting and retaining physicians and advanced practice providers.
Oversee credentialing and privileging processes.
Lead the Medical Executive Committee and collaborate across disciplines.
Provide feedback, coaching, and accountability around performance and quality.
Build a culture where providers feel supported, respected, and engaged.
Ensure compliance with standards set by The Joint Commission, CMS, and state agencies.
Maintain readiness for surveys and lead efforts during reviews.
Support strong, timely clinical documentation.
Oversee policies related to patient rights, safety, and clinical protocols.
Lead Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) efforts.
Monitor key indicators such as readmissions, length of stay, and patient safety events.
Oversee peer review and follow through on improvement opportunities.
Elevate patient satisfaction and overall outcomes.
Champion patient safety and foster a culture of safety and accountability.
Review and respond to adverse or sentinel events, partnering with risk and legal teams when needed.
Ensure strong clinical oversight for higher-acuity patient populations.
Partner with the CEO, COO, CNO, and HR leadership.
Support patient flow from admission through discharge.
Provide guidance on medical necessity and admissions criteria.
Contribute to staffing models and resource planning.
Support ongoing education and development for medical staff, reinforcing training in areas like suicide risk assessment, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention.
Create an environment where people are always learning and improving.
Contribute to strategic planning and growth initiatives, supporting the development of new programs and service lines.
Stay connected to community needs and referral patterns.
Represent the hospital externally as a clinical leader.