The medical director in the nursing home

The place of the medical director in the acute care general hospital is discussed. The federal legislation mandating medical directors for nursing homes is summarized, and is criticized for being too closely based on acute care general hospital models. Descriptive writing about the medical director's role are reviewed, and also quantified surveys. It is suggested that an educational and consultative role is most suitable. There is doubt about the ability of the medical director to control and supervise medical staff. His/her ability to control quality of care is also dubious.