Medical Director – Future Opioid Treatment Program (OTP)

Location: Gastonia, NC

Job Type: Contract / Part-Time

Program Status: Pre-Opening / Application Phase

Anticipated Clinical Start: 2027

Position Overview

Gracious Hearts Wellness & Recovery is seeking a qualified North Carolina-licensed physician (MD or DO) to serve as the Medical Director for a future Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) in Gastonia, North Carolina.

PLEASE NOTE: This facility is not currently open and this is not an immediate clinical start position.

We are currently completing the state and federal application, licensing, certification, and development process for the OTP.

The selected physician will be identified as the proposed Medical Director for the program and will enter into a Medical Director agreement/contract prior to the facility opening so that the physician's required credentials and information can be included in applicable state and federal OTP applications.

Regular clinical duties and patient care will not begin until the facility has received the required approvals and is authorized to begin operations.

Medical Director Responsibilities

Once the OTP becomes operational, the Medical Director will provide medical leadership and oversight in accordance with North Carolina OTP requirements, SAMHSA regulations, and 42 CFR Part 8.

Responsibilities Will Include

• Provide oversight of medical and behavioral health services delivered through the OTP.
• Ensure medical, psychiatric, nursing, pharmacy, toxicology, medication, and related clinical services comply with applicable state and federal requirements and standards of care.
• Provide medical oversight for medications used in the treatment of opioid use disorder, including methadone and other FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder.
• Supervise and provide appropriate oversight of physician extenders and other medical staff.
• Participate in the development and implementation of OTP medical policies, protocols, and procedures.
• Support regulatory compliance with North Carolina DHHS/DHSR, the North Carolina State Opioid Treatment Authority (SOTA), SAMHSA, DEA, and other applicable regulatory entities.
• Participate in quality assurance, medication safety, clinical review, and regulatory readiness activities.
• Maintain required availability and physical presence at the OTP in accordance with applicable North Carolina requirements.
• Complete and maintain documentation and credentials required for OTP licensing, certification, accreditation, and regulatory applications.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Be an MD or DO currently licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina and remain in good standing.
• Be eligible and appropriately credentialed to perform the responsibilities of an OTP Medical Director.
• Maintain applicable DEA registration/controlled-substance credentials necessary for the position.
• Be willing to provide the required professional credentials for the OTP application process, including current North Carolina medical license, DEA registration, and curriculum vitae.
• Be willing to enter into a written Medical Director agreement before the OTP opens and remain available to participate in licensing, certification, accreditation, and regulatory activities as reasonably required.
• Be able to fulfill the Medical Director responsibilities established under 42 CFR Part 8 and applicable North Carolina OTP requirements.
• Be knowledgeable about, or willing to maintain appropriate knowledge of, opioid use disorder, medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and OTP regulatory requirements.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to physicians with:

• Experience treating substance use disorders and opioid use disorder.
• Experience with methadone, buprenorphine, and other medications for opioid use disorder.
• Previous experience working with or serving as Medical Director of an Opioid Treatment Program.
• Addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry experience.
• Board certification in Addiction Medicine or Addiction Psychiatry.
• Familiarity with SAMHSA, DEA, SOTA, DHSR, Medicaid, and OTP accreditation requirements.
  
  

Pre-Opening Commitment

This opportunity is specifically for a physician interested in partnering with an OTP that is currently in development.

The selected physician will initially assist with the application and approval process by providing required credentials, executing the Medical Director agreement, and participating in regulatory/application activities as necessary.

There will be no regular patient schedule at this time.

The ongoing Medical Director role will begin once the facility has received the necessary approvals and is preparing to begin patient services.

North Carolina requires Medical Director physical presence at the OTP for a minimum of four hours per month, in addition to fulfilling applicable medical oversight and regulatory responsibilities.

Compensation

Contract compensation to be negotiated based on qualifications, experience, pre-opening responsibilities, and ongoing Medical Director duties.

Pre-opening/application responsibilities and post-opening Medical Director compensation will be discussed with qualified candidates.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a physician interested in helping establish a compliant, patient-centered OTP and developing a long-term relationship with the organization from the application phase through opening and ongoing operations.

Interested physicians should submit a CV/resume and a brief summary of any experience with addiction medicine, opioid use disorder treatment, MOUD, methadone treatment, or Opioid Treatment Programs.

Pay: $125.00 - $175.00 per hour

Work Location: In person