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Mercy Medical Center has been named a quality respiratory
care provider under a new program aimed at making sure
patients have access to services provided by qualified
respiratory therapists.
The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)
started the Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR)
program earlier this year to help consumers make informed
choices about their health care. Hospitals recognized
under the program ensure patient safety by agreeing
to adhere to a strict set of criteria governing their
respiratory care services.
To qualify for the recognition, Mercy Medical Center
met the following conditions:
- All respiratory therapists employed by the hospital
to deliver respiratory care services are either legally
recognized by the state as competent to provide respiratory
care services or hold the CRT or RRT credential.
- Respiratory therapists are available 24 hours.
- Other personnel qualified to perform specific respiratory
procedures and the amount of supervision required
for personnel to carry out specific procedures much
be designated in writing.
- A doctor of medicine or osteopathy is designated
as medical director of respiratory care services.
The AARC's QRCR program grew out of growing concerns
among health care leaders and the general public regarding
the safety and quality of health care services provided
to patients. Hospitals that meet the QRCR requirements
provide a level of respiratory care consistent with
national standards and guidelines, and should be commended
for their commitment to quality care.
Respiratory therapists are specially trained health
care professionals who work under physicians' orders
to provide a wide range of breathing treatments and
other services to people with asthma, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, AIDS,
and other lung or lung-related conditions. They also
care for premature infants and are key members of lifesaving
response teams charged with handling medical emergencies.
The AARC is a membership organization representing
more than 30,000 health professionals involved in respiratory
care nationwide.
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