Recognition for Respiratory Care Services May 21, 2003 Catawba Valley Medical Center Receives Quality Recognition for Respiratory Care Services (Hickory) Catawba Valley Medical Center has been named a Quality Respiratory Care Provider under a new program aimed at making sure patients have access to respiratory care services provided by qualified respiratory therapists. The American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) started the Quality Respiratory Care Recognition (QRCR) program earlier this year to help consumers make informed choices about their health care. A new website – www.YourLungHealth.com will soon offer consumers a list of hospitals across the nation who have qualified for this recognition. Hospitals recognized under the program ensure patient safety by agreeing to adhere to a strict set of criteria. The program grew out of concerns among health care leaders and the general public regarding the safety and quality of health care services. To qualify for this quality recognition, Catawba Valley Medical Center met the following criteria: All respiratory therapists employed by the medical center to deliver bedside 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 around the clock. Other personnel qualified to perform specific respiratory procedures and the amount of supervision required for personnel to carry out these specific procedures are designated in written procedures and treatment protocols. A doctor of medicine or osteopathy is designated as medical director of respiratory care services. At Catawba Valley Medical Center, Dr. James M. Fuller, Piedmont Pulmonary Consultants, is the medical director of the Respiratory Care Department. All staff in Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Respiratory Care Department hold the CRT or RRT credential. To attain these credentials, therapists must complete a two-year associate degree program at an accredited educational institution. Respiratory therapists are specially trained health care professionals who work under physician’s 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.