Open AccessMedical Director Responsibilities for Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs in the United States: 2019
Author(s) -
Brian Carlin,
Gerene Bauldoff,
Eileen Collins,
Chris Garvey,
Darcy Marciniuk,
Andrew L. Ries,
Trina Limberg,
Richard ZuWallack
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and prevention
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1932-751X
pISSN - 1932-7501
DOI - 10.1097/hcr.0000000000000515
Subject(s) - legislature , medicine , pulmonary rehabilitation , rehabilitation , medical education , family medicine , physical therapy , political science , law
Clinical guidelines have been developed recognizing pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) as a key component in the management of patients with chronic lung disease. The medical director of a PR program is a key player in every program and is a requirement for operation of the program. The medical director must be a licensed physician who has experience in respiratory physiology management. The purpose of this document is to provide an update regarding the clinical, programmatic, legislative, and regulatory issues that impact PR medical directors in North America. It describes the clinical rationale for physician involvement, relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, and resources available that the medical director can utilize to promote evidence-based and cost-effective PR services. All pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs must include a medical director. There are many clinical, programmatic, legislative, and regulatory issues that impact the PR medical director. The purpose of this document is to concentrate on the unique roles and responsibilities of the PR medical director.