NAMDRC Definition of a Qualified Medical Director of Respiratory Care

The Medical Director of any inpatient or outpatient respiratory care service, department or home care agency shall be a licensed physician who has special interest and knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory problems. Whenever possible, the Medical Director should be qualified by special training and/or experience in the management of acute and chronic respiratory disorders. This physician should be responsible for the quality, safety and appropriateness of the respiratory care services provided, and monitor the respiratory care being ordered by the physician who has medical responsibility for the patient. The Medical Director should be readily accessible to the respiratory care practitioners and should assure their competency.

ADOPTED MARCH, 1986

REVISED MARCH, 1997

REVIEWED APRIL 2006