CURRENT ROLE OF THE MEDICAL DIRECTOR IN COMMUNITY-BASED NURSING FACILITIES

The majority of community-based nursing facilities in the United State s have part-time medical directors whose basic training is either in p rimary care, internal medicine, or family practice. Some medical direc tors have a Certificate of Added Qualification in Geriatric Medicine. Very few have received formal training in medical direction in long-te rm care. This article presents information on the demographics of comm unity medical staffs and medical directors, administrative and medical . staff relationships, committee responsibilities, policies and proced ures, teaching and research, community activities, and resources of va lue that should enhance the ability of part-time medical directors to perform more effectively and increase the knowledge of other health pr ofessionals about the complex role of the medical director in communit y-based nursing facilities.