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About Us - Awards and Accolades - American Association for Respiratory Care subpage_title_arrow

American Association for Respiratory Care

The American Association for Respiratory Care has designated Martha Jefferson Hospital’s Respiratory Therapy Department as a 2010 Quality Respiratory Care Program.

Only about 500 hospitals, or less than 10 percent, of hospitals in the United States have received this award. The program was started by the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) in 2003 to help consumers identify those facilities using qualified respiratory therapists to provide respiratory care. Hospitals earning this designation ensure patients’ safety by adhering to a strict set of criteria governing their respiratory care services.

To qualify for the recognition, Martha Jefferson Hospital demonstrated:

  • All respiratory therapists employed by the hospital to deliver bedside respiratory care services are recognized by the state as competent to provide respiratory care services or hold the Certified Respiratory Therapist or the Registered Respiratory Therapist credential.
  • Respiratory therapists are available around the clock.
  • A doctor of medicine or osteopathy is designated as medial director for respiratory care services.

The American Association for Respiratory Care program grew out of concerns regarding the safety and quality of healthcare services. Hospitals that meet the program requirements provide a level of respiratory care consistent with national standards and guidelines. A list of recognized hospitals is maintained on the association's Web site for consumers, YourLungHealth.org.