Posted on 10/01/2024 - 2:18 PM by MaryBeth Kurland, MPA, CAE, ICE-CCP
By MaryBeth Kurland, MPA, CAE, ICE-CCP
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Commission for Case Manager Certification
The theme of this year’s National Case Management Week (Oct. 13-19, 2024) is Encouraging, Engaging, and Empowering. These three words encapsulate the principles of case management—principles that guide professional and board-certified case managers to provide exceptional person-centered care.
National Case Management Week is our chance to shine a spotlight on the incredible work case managers do every day. It’s a message that deserves to be shared, not just for one week but throughout the entire year. From guiding individuals through complex medical decisions to advocating for optimal care, case managers are essential to the health and well-being of their clients and communities.
A personal perspective
Over the years, both in my work with the Commission and in my personal life, I’ve had the opportunity to watch many case managers help clients, including our loved ones, navigate the complex healthcare system. I have observed and experienced the unwavering support case managers provide to their clients. Looking back, it is evident that case managers have been influencing lives in meaningful ways long before I knew who they were—and continue to do so each day. National Case Management Week provides an opportunity to reflect and shine a spotlight on the importance of the case manager’s role and encourage dedicated and talented professionals to pursue this career.
Empower: Celebrating collaboration
This year, the Commission has partnered with the American Case Management Association (ACMA) to celebrate National Case Management Week. The theme, “Encouraging, Engaging, and Empowering,” reflects our shared commitment to empowering the profession. ACMA and the Commission are united in their vision to build a knowledgeable and well-prepared case manager workforce by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of today's case managers and expanding access to vital educational opportunities.
The Commission and ACMA previously developed a joint definition of case management that also informs CCMC’s advocacy and education efforts. Each organization also recognizes the other's continuing education programs by accepting participation in these programs as demonstration of ongoing professional development required for re-certification. In other words, this reciprocity makes professional development and education more accessible, affordable, and available.
Engage: Professional development and lifelong learning
Our commitment to supporting case managers goes beyond initial certification. We believe in the value of life-long learning, especially as the healthcare system continues to become more complex. Advancements like Artificial Intelligence (AI) make staying current essential to providing the right care.
Case managers can demonstrate a commitment to continuous growth, not only for their own professional development but also for the benefit of the clients they serve through education and professional certification.
As part of our commitment to professional development, CCMC’s 2024 Virtual Symposium will again take place during National Case Management Week. The Symposium offers an excellent opportunity to engage in continuous learning, network with peers, and earn continuing education credits.
Encourage: Focus on the future
National Case Management Week is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of professional case management, not just among clients and caregivers, but also employers, lawmakers, and the public.
I encourage each of you to share your stories and experiences—whether through social media, conversations with friends and family, or even reaching out to elected representatives. Personal stories humanize the profession and highlight the profound impact case managers have on individuals, their families and communities.
To help you do that, the Commission is sponsoring a contest for case managers. We want to recognize your passion and dedication to putting clients first. Enter by telling your stories here. We’ll select four winners based on the quality and thoughtfulness of the submissions, and we’ll share those stories with the larger case management community. Each winner will also receive a $50 VISA e-gift card.
By participating in National Case Management Week, sharing stories, attending events such as CCMC’s 2024 Virtual Symposium, and advocating for the profession; you highlight the critical work case managers do by empowering, engaging, and encouraging each other.
We all have the power to shape the future of professional case management. Let’s do it!