Case Managers Must Become Key Element of Any Health Care Reform Proposal
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Case Management Society of America (CMSA) announced today the adoption of "The Case Management Model Act of 2009." Case management is a collaborative process of assessing, planning, facilitating, and coordinating care to meet an individual's comprehensive health needs.
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Margaret (Peggy) Leonard, MS, RN-BC, FNP, CMSA's President notes that "case management offers a unique and effective way to mobilize resources to promote quality-based and cost-effective outcomes for a wide range of populations, with different health care needs. The Model Act can be configured to be national in scope or to support specific programs that are funded through a variety of sources. CMSA is well positioned to offer its support to Congress, the White House and other public policymakers as they explore different health care reform proposals."
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Cheri Lattimer, RN, BSN, Executive Director, adds "Case management interventions are used throughout the health care system today as a very effective solution towards the transition of care, coordination of resources, reducing costs and improving clinical outcomes. The Model Act demonstrates the importance of case managers becoming a fundamental element of health care reform."
The Model Act sets forth important standards for case management services with key provisions covering Staff Qualifications, Case Management Functions, Authorized Scope of Services, Payment of Services, Training Requirements, Quality Management Programs, and Antifraud & Consumer Protections. Provisions of the Model Act could be adopted either at the federal or state levels through either legislative or regulatory bodies.
Tracey Moorhead, President and CEO of DMAA: The Care Continuum Alliance, an industry association representing all stakeholders in chronic disease prevention and care, calls the Model Act "a valuable resource" for public policymakers. "Among other attributes, the Model Act highlights key Population Health Management strategies that address health needs at all points along the continuum of health and well being, through participation of, engagement with and targeted interventions for the population," she says. "A primary goal of care management interventions is to improve the physical and psychosocial well being of individuals through cost-effective, tailored health solutions. This Model Act helps provide that framework."
"Case managers are licensed professionals with the experience to support individuals and their families," notes Carol A. Gleason, MM, RN, CRRN, CCM, LRC, BCPC, Chairman of CMSA's Public Policy Committee. She adds that "Case managers provide services that are crucial to saving costs and improving quality in the health care system, especially with the majority of health care dollars being spent on chronic illness. With such a fragmented health care system, case managers provide critical services to help patients and their caregivers navigate, coordinate, and transition through a dynamic approach to better achieve their health care goals."
Leonard adds that "Case management programs must be sponsored as part of the federal health care reform initiative -- without federal support, we will not be able to harness the full power of case management strategies and interventions."
A complimentary copy of the new Model Act, which was approved by unanimous consent by CMSA's Board of Directors earlier this month, can be downloaded at http://www.cmsa.org/HealthReform or requested by emailing [email protected].
About Case Management Society of America (CMSA)
Established in 1990, the Case Management Society of America is an international non-profit 501(c) (6) multi-disciplinary professional association dedicated to the support and advancement of the case management profession through educational forums, networking opportunities, legislative advocacy, and establishing standards to advance the profession. Based in Little Rock, AR, CMSA serves more than 20,000 members/subscribers and 73 affiliate and pending chapters. Since its inception, CMSA has been at the forefront of setting professional standards for the industry, which allows for the highest level of efficiency and integrity, as well as developing national and local leaders who are recognized for their practice and professional excellence. For more information, call CMSA at (501) 225-2229 or go to www.cmsa.org.
SOURCE Case Management Society of America
