CALTCM, the California Association of Long Term Care Medicine, is set to unveil an on-demand course tailored specifically for Medical Directors in the state. Aimed at enhancing their understanding of California's intricate regulations, this program promises to be a game-changer for nursing home professionals seeking to navigate the state's unique healthcare landscape.

Unlike the Certified Medical Directors (CMD) core curriculum, which offers a comprehensive overview of medical directorship principles, this specialized course focuses on the nuances of California-specific regulations. It doesn't seek to replace the core curriculum training but rather complements it by addressing the distinct challenges and requirements faced by Medical Directors in California.

Medical Directors can anticipate a curriculum designed to deepen their knowledge and proficiency in navigating the intricacies of California's healthcare system. From regulatory compliance to best practices in patient care within the state's post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) facilities, the program is crafted to empower Medical Directors with the tools they need to excel in their roles. 

We are excited to unveil a few of the modules in this program:

• Understanding the Legislative Landscape in California
• Decision-Making Capacity
• California Regulations on Informed Consent
• California Prescriber Laws 
• Resident Rights
• California Medical Director Responsibilities
• Elder Abuse and the Medical Director
• Medicaid Innovations
• Palliative Care, Hospice, Advance Care Planning, and End of Life

These modules will be featured in a new innovative format, all on-demand, and will offer CME and CMD hours. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our team of faculty members who have worked tirelessly for over 18 months to develop this program, all led by our fearless and innovative leader, Dr. Ferrini.

• Rebecca Ferrini, MD, MPH, CMD (Chair, CALTCM Education Committee).
• Robert Gibson, PhD, JD
• Timothy Gieseke, MD, CMD
• Terry Hill, MD
• Janice Hoffman-Simen, Pharm.D., EdD, APh, BCGP, FASCP
• Ashkan Javaheri, MD, CMD
• Albert Lam, MD
• Noah Marco, MD, CMD
• Karl Steinberg, MD, CMD, HMDC, HEC-C
• Michael Wasserman, MD, CMD

Please stay tuned for more information about CALTCM’s CMD program, and thank you for all you are doing to improve the quality of care in PALTC. If you are interested in joining any of our planning committees, please reach out to [email protected].