Many CALTCM members are probably already aware that our parent organization, AMDA (www.amda.com), has again changed its official name to reflect the importance of post-acute care in our segment.  Now officially AMDA--The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine, the organization is in the process of expanding certification not only for medical directors, but also for physicians who work in the post-acute and long-term care (PA/LTC) arena.  The Core Competencies for attending physicians and their corresponding certification process, in addition to the Certified Medical Director (CMD) certification that over 3500 physicians have earned since its inception, will now be administered by the American Board of Post-Acute & Long-Term Care Medicine (ABPLM, http://www.abplm.org) which has replaced the Board previously known as the AMDCP (AMDA Medical Directors Certification Program).

You may also not be aware that AMDA's Core Curriculum for CMD certification can now be done in part via an online program, making this goal somewhat less labor-intensive as in past years.  As far as the Core Competencies for attending physicians, this certification will also be at least in part available online.  As of now, this certification will be for physicians only, but it is probable given AMDA's recent increased inclusivity with membership expanded to advanced practice nurses and physician assistants, that there will be a certification for other PA/LTC professionals in the not too distant future.

Keep your eyes open for more changes in the months ahead!  CALTCM applauds AMDA"s decision to follow in our footsteps by expanding membership, and looks forward to the availability of new competencies and education/certification to help ensure that the care being provided in PA/LTC is of the highest quality it can be, while mindful of the regulatory and ethical implications in our care niche.