Our aim

The PRSAS programme aims to help pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) services improve the quality of care and service they deliver to patients and staff through a structured accreditation framework.

Our standards 

PRSAS accreditation standards define what constitutes a high-quality, safe and appropriate PR service – one that provides an evidence-based programme of exercise and comprehensive education, delivered by a trained, supported and motivated workforce. 

The PRSAS standards are developed in collaboration with patient organisations, PR services and representatives from England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, and are based on the British Thoracic Society's (BTS) quality standards for PR and are informed by the BTS clinical statement for PR.

The revised standards (2025)

PRSAS launched the new and revised accreditation standards for service accreditation on 1 December 2025.

The structure

Services demonstrate they are meeting the standards by uploading evidence onto an online platform. For example, to demonstrate effective patient experience, the evidence requirements will include a policy, survey responses and actions taken as a result of the feedback.

The standards cover all aspects of a high-quality PR service and are organised into seven domains. 

Who is eligible to register with PRSAS and to work towards accreditation?

The following types of pulmonary rehabilitation services are eligible to register to be part of the accreditation programme:

• Standalone PR services
• PR services that are part of wider respiratory services 
• PR services provided by private providers 

Services must be NHS commissioned and be adhering to or working towards meeting the BTS quality standards for PR and are participating in the National Respiratory Audit Programme (services in England and Wales only).

If you have any questions about the PRSAS standards, please contact the team on 0203 075 1407 or pulmrehab@rcp.ac.uk.