Current role of the medical director in community-based nursing facilities

The majority of community-based nursing facilities in the United States have part-time medical directors whose basic training is either in primary care, internal medicine, or family practice. Some medical directors have a Certificate of Added Qualification in Geriatric Medicine. Very few have received formal training in medical direction in long-term care. This article presents information on the demographics of community medical staffs and medical directors, administrative and medical staff relationships, committee responsibilities, policies and procedures, teaching and research, community activities, and resources of value that should enhance the ability of part-time medical directors to perform more effectively and increase the knowledge of other health professionals about the complex role of the medical director in community-based nursing facilities.