California is a vast, progressive state that implements innovative and often more rigorous regulations regarding the role of Medical Directors and nursing home care compared to federal standards. For Medical Directors to thrive, it is essential to grasp what sets California apart, navigate existing regulations, and comprehend the implications of forthcoming regulations—many of which could profoundly affect their daily responsibilities.

The law determines the regulations we abide by in nursing homes, but the law only covers part of practical medical director practice and policy. Because of this, it is important to understand what regulations state, and importantly, what areas are not covered by regulations.

Over the last several years, CALTCM has worked tirelessly to create an amazing course that is available to you now, it is on-demand, offers 16.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™, and valuable Certified Medial Director (CMD) credits, too. (All credits to help you on your journey to becoming a CMD.)

If you are a medical director, you need to get certified, if you are a facility leader, you need to make sure your medical director is certified or has begun their journey to becoming certified. Here are a few questions to help guide you:

Medical Directors: Where are you in this journey?

• Are you certified?
• Yes, I am certified. Congrats, remember that reaccreditation is required every 6 years, CALTCM can help you with all your CME and CMD needs! (Hint: Webinars, Annual Summit, On-Demand Programs, Leadership & Management in Geriatrics, etc.)
• No, I am not certified yet. Here are some tips to get you started:
• Submitting your application.
• Enroll in the Core Curriculum and Synthesis. Note: Programs may fill up and scheduling may be limited.
• Earn needed CME/CMD to fulfill the education requirements. (Hint – CALTCM can help!)

• Note: The facility can receive a citation if the medical director is not certified and/or has not started their journey!
• Is your medical director aware of this law?
• Is your medical director certified or working towards becoming certified?
• Will your medical director be certified before the deadline of January 1, 2027?

PALTmed CMD Application changes to be aware of:

1. PALTmed now has rolling application submissions.  This means there is no firm deadline to submit your application to PALTmed.  But, you need to allow a minimum of 30 days for their review. Note: Florida just passed a similar law – so all their medical directors are rushing to get their education completed and applications submitted.)
2. PALTmed has removed the requirement for a physician to have served as a medical director for two years before becoming a certified medical director. No prior experience as a medical director is required.
3. PALTmed has decreased the number of years of clinical experience a physician must have in post-acute and long-term care from 2 years to 1 year within the past 5 years. A geriatric fellowship also counts toward the 1 year of experience. 

Medical Directors, stay ahead with the following steps:

1. Assess: Understand the full scope. What needs to be completed?
2. Use 2026 Wisely: Register for the programs and create a timeline.
3. Set Mini-Deadlines: Break your plan into monthly milestones to stay accountable and reduce stress.
4. Register for the CALTCM Medical Director Program for California Medical Directors. (Early bird rates available through January 31, 2026). Check out the details: https://www.caltcm.org/caltcm-medical-director-program-for-california-medical-directors

Resources:

• California Assembly Bill AB 749 requires nursing home medical directors in California to be certified. AB 749 will help ensure that every medical director in California is prepared to provide effective oversight of quality and safety in their nursing homes.
• PALTmed: Earning a Certification for Medical Direction is an education-based model provided by the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association (PALTmed). Learn more here: https://paltmed.org/certification/initial-certification