After severe acquired brain injury some patients develop a prolonged disorder of consciousness (vegetative state or minimally conscious state), and as such cannot actively participate in neurorehabilitation. However, international opinion and recent research developments emphasize the need for involvement of rehabilitation medicine units in the care of these patients. The article presents recommendations for the care of adult patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness, which have been developed by a multidisciplinary working party, in order to promote good care, and identify areas for further improvements.