The Case Management Society of America (CMSA): 35 Years of Leadership, Innovation, and Advocacy in Case Management
BY JENNY QUIGLEY-STICKNEY, RN, MSN, MHA, MA, CCM, ACM.RN, CMAC, CPHM, FCM
The early years of CMSA
For 35 years, the Case Management Society of America (CMSA) has been a cornerstone of professional case management, advocating for professionals in the field and adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape. Since its inception in 1990, CMSA has continuously advanced case management practices, provided essential resources for case managers and shaped the way healthcare systems coordinate care. This article is an overview of CMSA’s 35-year history, its current organizational culture and its role in future healthcare trends.
A 35-Year Historical Perspective: From Founding to Leadership
Founding and Early Years (1990-2000)
CMSA was formally established in 1990 in Little Rock, Arkansas, by a group of healthcare professionals who recognized the increasing importance of case management in improving patient care and controlling healthcare costs. During the 1990s, CMSA achieved several milestones:
In 1995, CMSA developed its first Standards of Practice for Case Management, which provided critical ethical and professional guidelines that laid the foundation for case management nationwide.
Local chapters were formed, fostering regional networking, education and professional growth for case managers across the United States.
The CMSA Annual Conference became an important platform for knowledge exchange and continuing education.
Expansion and Influence (2001-2010)
As the healthcare industry underwent significant shifts in the 2000s, CMSA grew in size and influence. Key developments during this period included:
2001 Standard of Practice introduced the profession of case management, defined as:
Case management is a collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation and advocacy for options and services to meet an individual’s health needs through communication and available resources to promote quality cost-effective outcome.
CMSA placed an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, recognizing the necessity for case managers to work alongside nurses, physicians and other healthcare professionals to deliver effective care.
CMSA became a leading advocate for case managers in public policy discussions, lobbying for the recognition and reimbursement of case management services. CMSA Introduced their advocacy program through Day on the Hill, where case managers have the opportunity to speak directly to their legislators about healthcare legislation that may impact the professional role of case management.
The organization expanded its educational offerings with webinars, workshops and certification resources, helping professionals prepare for credentials like the Certified Case Manager (CCM). New programs throughout the years arose. Integrated case management focused on skill to develop both adult and pediatric behavioral health and interviewing techniques. The Boot Camp is an interactive program designed for the novice to intermediate case manager to teach all the necessary skills to perform the role of a professional case manager across the continuum of care through interactive role playing and didactic experiences.
Present CMSA Culture (2011-2020)
In its third decade, CMSA has responded to technological advancements and the globalization of healthcare through Standards of Practice for technology, integration of the EHR, telehealth and AI into the case management daily workflow.
The 2021 updated Standards of Practice incorporated the growing role of digital tools, including electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth, and population health management systems.
The CMSA organization has intensified its focus on transitional care, supporting the seamless movement of patients between healthcare settings from acute care to acute or long-term rehab, skilled nursing, assisted living, outpatient rehabilitation centers, community health centers, managed care case managers, workers’ compensation and independent case managers.
CMSA began engaging with international case management groups, extending its reach and influence beyond the U.S. to a global focus integrating world health programs into its framework for the future.
The 35-Year Milestone (2021-Present)
As CMSA celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2025, it confronted new challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce shortages, and an increasing emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
CMSA prioritized digital transformation, supporting the integration of telehealth, AI-driven tools and other technologies into case management practice.
Launched initiatives focused on mental health integration, advocating for the inclusion of behavioral health within case management.
Positioned itself at the forefront of the shift to value-based care and population health management, guiding members in adapting to these new models.
The recent 35th year celebratory conference began with legacy leaders providing an overview of CMSA throughout the years. Each past president shared what they were able to bring to the evolving professional development of case management.
Keynote speakers provided inspiration and shared ways to maintain resilience in the coming years for case managers, once again a changing healthcare community.
Three exceptional awards were given to Lifetime Achievement winner Patricia Noonan for her inspirational leadership win in the field of case management, developing the profession and evolving the public policy advocacy. Dr Ellen Fink-Samnick was given the case manager of the year for her exceptional skills in case management for DEBI, ethical impacts for case managers and for her role as a writer for case management publications and primers for case managers working in the field. The CM for Service Excellence award was granted to Dr Hussein Tahan for shaping the future of professional case management through his grassroot work as a leader in case management and book core curriculum for case managers.
The annual conference once again served as the center for change, transitioning the 2024 board to 2025. Joining the group for this year were Executive Board President Janet Coulter, President-elect Jenny Quigley-Stickney, Treasurer Mark Evans, Secretary Samantha Walker, Director at Large Dr. Vivian Greenway and Directors Erin Cunningham, Cynthia Hopkins, Carolina Mosley, Kathleen Parry, Lisa Simmons-Fields and CPC Representative James Troyer.
New to the conference, the CMSA Today editorial board has published its first blog book entitled, “The Many Faces of Case Management,” a collection of members blogs and reflections of case management professional practice.
Two emerging themes at the conference were AI and its impact on the professional field of case management, and the ethical monitoring of its use in case management. DEBI was the second theme case managers were coping with: DEBI in leadership, in policy development and integrating into social determinant of health programs for Joint Commission certification.
The conference was rewarding for those who attended, and it is not too late to join in the fun and celebrate our 35th year anniversary. The conference offerings were all recorded, and our prerecorded webinar format is available until July 31st.
Present Culture and Core Values for CMSA
Today, CMSA exemplifies a culture of professionalism, collaboration and advocacy. With over 11,000 members representing diverse fields such as healthcare, social services and insurance, CMSA is recognized as the leading voice for case managers. Key pillars of CMSA’s present culture include:
Education and Professional Development: Offering a range of educational opportunities, including webinars, workshops and its annual national conference, CMSA ensures that case managers are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed.
Advocacy and Policy Leadership: CMSA actively lobbies for policies that support case managers and the healthcare system, with a particular focus on care coordination, patient-centered care and reimbursement for case management services.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): CMSA promotes culturally competent care and equitable practices, striving to address healthcare disparities and ensure that all patient populations are served effectively.
Networking and Support: Through national and local events, CMSA fosters a strong professional community, encouraging collaboration and mutual support among case management professionals.
Future Trends in Case Management and CMSA’s Vision
As healthcare delivery and expectations continue to evolve, CMSA is positioned to address emerging trends and prepare its members for the future. Key trends include:
Digital Health and AI Integration: CMSA will continue to guide its members in the ethical use of digital tools such as telemedicine, AI and predictive analytics to improve efficiency, patient outcomes, and care coordination.
Population Health and Value-Based Care: With the shift from fee-for-service to value-based care models, case managers are becoming integral to managing chronic conditions, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. CMSA will continue to emphasize the importance of data-informed decision-making and population health strategies.
Behavioral Health Integration: As mental health awareness increases, CMSA is focusing on the integration of behavioral health services within case management practices, supporting a more holistic approach to patient care.
Workforce Development: CMSA remains committed to developing the next generation of case management leaders, offering mentorship programs, leadership academies and scholarships to empower emerging professionals.
Global Collaboration: While CMSA is primarily U.S.-based, its reach is expanding internationally. The organization is looking to form global partnerships, share best practices and address international health challenges.
New venues for this year: Our first inaugural Leadership virtual conference October 11, 2025, will focus on industry trends, financial planning, making the case to the C-suite, virtual team dynamic and building and sustaining a case management culture. This conference will lead into CM Week.
National Case Management Week, October 12-18, to continue our 35th anniversary celebration themed of Innovate, Advocate and Celebrate. It will feature daily webinars and celebrations for case management members and nonmembers.
Look forward to many new and exciting educational webinars as we move throughout our anniversary year.
Conclusion
As CMSA celebrates 35 years of leadership, innovation and advocacy, CMSA continues to stand as the pillar of the case management profession, through unwavering commitment to education, advocacy and ethical practices. CMSA has ensured that case managers remain at the forefront of healthcare transformation. As the healthcare system continues to evolve and deal with challenges, CMSA’s Strategic vision remains clear. CMSA vision : to support, educate, and empower case managers to navigate the complex landscape of modern healthcare, ensuring optimal care for all patients.
References
Case Management Society of America. cmsa.org
CMSA 35TH Anniversary Celebration. cmsa.org
Jenny Quigley-Stickney, RN, MSN, MHA, MA, CCM, ACM.RN, CMAC, CPHM, FCM, is President-Elect of CMSA, 2025-2026. She is a professional case manager with Cape Cod Healthcare. Jenny has been active with CMSA/CMSNE for over 20 years, serving as the president of CMSNE and chair for both CMSA and CMSNE Public Policy Committees. She is active in the New England states promoting the advancement of the Nurse Licensure Compact, and telehealth legislation for healthcare provision. She has a passion for legislative works and believes that legislation helps advance the field of professional case management.
She has been employed at all levels of the transitions of care, working with traumatic brain injury, stroke and spinal cord for over 25 years. During that time, she provided professional case management for inpatient rehab, hospital-based home care, and outpatient rehab care. She recently has shifted her work back to her first love, acute care, focusing on vascular and trauma care.
