Celebrating 35 Years of CMSA: A Legacy of Leadership in Case Management

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This year marks a significant milestone for the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) as we celebrate 35 years of advancing the professional practice of case management. From its humble beginnings in 1990 to its status today as a recognized leader in healthcare, CMSA’s journey is a testament to the power of collaboration, advocacy and unwavering commitment to quality care. As we reflect on our history, let us honor the visionaries who laid the foundation for CMSA and the countless achievements that have shaped our profession.

CMSA’s story began with the formation of the American Society of Case Management Professionals (ASCMP) in 1989, later renamed the Case Management Society of America and formally incorporated in October of 1990. The mission was clear: to promote high-quality healthcare services, create educational programs and build a network of case management professionals.

Defining Moments in CMSA’s History

Since its inception, CMSA has been driven by the goal of elevating case management as a profession. The early 1990s saw the establishment of key organizational policies, the introduction of national bylaws, the establishment of a Case Manager of the Year award, and the launch of the first annual conference in San Diego. This event was a significant milestone in solidifying CMSA’s national presence.

Throughout the 1990s, CMSA focused on defining case management’s scope, standards and practices. The publication of the first Standards of Practice for Case Management in 1995 was a landmark achievement, providing a framework for ethical and effective case management. That same year, the introduction of The Journal of Care Management further enhanced CMSA’s role as a thought leader in the field. The “Ethical Statement on Case Management Practice” was published, The Council for Case Management Accountability was established, and the “Council for Case Management Accountability – A Framework for Case Management Accountability” was released.

CMSA also played a pivotal role in advocacy and policy development. In 1993, the organization submitted a position paper, “Case Management: A Building Block for Health Care Reform,” to President Clinton’s Task Force on Health Care Reform, underscoring the value of case management in addressing healthcare challenges.

CMSA established many guiding committees and special interest groups, offered company memberships, and appointed the first Chapter Presidents’ Council (CPC) Representative to the CMSA Board of Directors. October of 1999 saw another great achievement with the establishment of National Case Management Week, a week-long celebration of the remarkable case managers across the world.

The turn of the millennium marked a period of rapid growth and innovation for CMSA. Membership surged, local chapters flourished and new programs and initiatives were launched. Highlights from this era include:

  • The release of the first mission and vision statements for the organization, providing a roadmap for the organization.
  • A partnership that led to the establishment of CMSA’s Military-Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense (MVD) Day, providing tailored professional development opportunities.
  • The expansion of CMSA’s awards program to include the CMSA Award of Service Excellence, as well as recognition awards for the outstanding work of the CMSA Chapters.
  • The publication of the first edition of CMSA’s Core Curriculum for Case Management, providing case management professionals with a comprehensive resource.
  • Additional revisions of the Standards of Practice for Case Management reflect the evolving landscape of healthcare.
  • The launch of the first CMSA Career Center offering employment opportunities, as well as its first online educational programs, illustrating CMSA’s commitment to professional development and growth.
  • A show of continued support for the diverse membership of CMSA through a new Communities of Practice (CoPs) program for customized education and best practice sharing.
  • A commitment to collaboration with the publication of the Case Management Caseload Concept Paper: Proceedings of the Caseload Work Group in partnership with NASW.
  • The publication of the first Integrated Case Management manual and development of the comprehensive training program establishes CMSA as a leader in the care of individuals challenged with complex health conditions.

In more recent years, CMSA has continued to innovate, expanding the value offered to case managers of all settings and disciplines. Highlights include:

  • The development of a new CMSA Strategic Plan (EPIC) to guide the future of the organization in line with current and future challenges and opportunities.
  • The launch of the Case Management Adherence Guidelines (CMAG) and the Case Management Model Act, examples of initiatives that have influenced both practice and policy.
  • The establishment of the CMSA Career Knowledge Pathways for more focused and intentional education offerings.
  • The publication of Case Management Guide to Population Health: Management Across the Continuum of Care further supports improved health outcomes.
  • The launch of a first-of-its-kind CMSA Case Management Fellow program, recognizing the impact of case managers on the professional practice.
  • The first-ever CMSA Virtual Hill Visits Program was held, educating legislators on the role of case management and policies to support improved health outcomes.
  • A new CMSA Case Management Boot Camp training program is unveiled, providing an immersive training program for case managers new to the practice.
  • The publication of the position paper Communicating Your Value: The Case Manager’s Guide and additional resources, Case Management At-A-Glance Fact Sheet and Impact of Case Management on the Healthcare System Fact Sheet, providing case managers with the information to communicate their value to multiple key audiences.
  • An intentional focus on collaborative relationships to better serve the needs of case managers.
  • The publication of the position paper Promoting Successful Outcomes in Making Care Primary: The Role and Value of Case Management, highlighting the critical role of case management within CMS Making Care Primary Model’s overarching objectives.
  • CMSA’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) is recognized with the release of an official DEIB position statement and a new standard of practice, Standard Q.

Today, CMSA is a vibrant community of professionals united by a shared commitment to improving client outcomes. Engagement in CMSA continues to increase, a testament to the strength and relevance of the organization.

The establishment of partnerships with organizations like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the publication of research and position statements have positioned CMSA as a key component in the healthcare ecosystem. Initiatives like the CMSA MVD Day, the focus on DEIB, the establishment of special interest groups for international and rural case managers continue to highlight CMSA’s dedication to addressing the diverse needs of the diverse membership.

As we celebrate 35 years, we honor the legacy of those who built CMSA and the achievements of our members. The journey of CMSA reflects the resilience and passion of its community—a community that has grown to a global network of professionals dedicated to transforming healthcare.

The future of CMSA is bright. With a renewed strategic vision, a focus on emerging trends, and a commitment to excellence, CMSA will continue to lead the way in case management. Together, we will write the next chapter of our story, ensuring that the principles of collaboration, advocacy and education remain at the heart of everything we do.

Thank you for helping to build CMSA into the strong, vibrant organization it is today. Here’s to 35 years of CMSA and to the countless milestones yet to come!

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