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How Important are Licensing and Certifications for Case Managers?

There is a hotly contested debate ongoing regarding the importance of certain qualifications for case managers. While most believe that case managers, at minimum, must have licenses in a specific health (e.g., nurse) or human services (e.g., social worker) disciplines, there is less consensus as to how important licensing and additional case manager certifications are such as provided by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCM) and various other certification bodies ranging from the American Case Management Association (ACMA) focusing on those in health system case management and National Board for Certification in Continuity Care (Advanced Continuity of Care Certification, A-CCC), or the American Institute of Outcomes Case Management (AIOCM) to the American Board of Managed Care Medicine (Certified Managed Care Nurse – CMCN), National Academy of Certified Care Managers (Care Manager Certified – CMC), and American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Advanced Practice Certification in Case Management (RNCM).

Right now, the subject of multi-state licensure is being debated. We know that each has its own licensing requirements including requirements relating to continuing education. Some states require no continuing education, while others have strict requirements to maintain a nursing license. What too many case managers fail to recognize is that there are professional liabilities and potential lawsuits associated with practicing in multiple states without meeting the individual states’ requirements. Many employers assume a very casual attitude about these risks, however, that may be because the case manager is the one really assuming the risk. It is my belief that case managers practicing in multiple states need to know what the requirements of those states are and adhere to them.

Additionally, it is my position that case management-specific training and certifications are essential – not just for the supervisors, but for any professional serving as a case manager. While the education and licenses gained as nurses and social workers are significant credentials, the role of a case manager demands another level of education and practical experience. Certification programs are a step towards assuring that anyone who holds themselves out to be a case manager does, in fact, have these enhanced qualifications. As more consumers begin to hire case managers and patient advocates directly, the certifications will also serve as an important consumer protection – helping them make the best decision when trusting a professional to guide their healthcare or that of a love done.

What do you think about case manager certifications? Let me know.

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Jeanne Boling
Posts: 4

Licensure and Certification
Reply #4 on : Thu March 03, 2011, 09:18:51

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Thank you, Leah for your post. As you have developed a case management career path, do you see a need for the profession to do the same in order for us to move forward in recognition and practice excellence?

Jeanne Boling
Posts: 4

Re: How Important are Licensing and Certifications for Case Managers?
Reply #3 on : Thu March 03, 2011, 09:16:10

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Gary, thanks for your post. You raise an interesting point saying that currently case manager certification is voluntary. When should or might a certification be required? Do you see this coming perhaps tied to reimbursement?

Leah Brown
Posts: 4

Licensure and Certification
Reply #2 on : Tue February 22, 2011, 11:54:00

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I think that in order for the physicians and administrators in the hospitals and other governing bodies to see us as professionals, case managers must have higher degrees and at least one certification. I think the credentials are critical to being seen as professionals in the world of healthcare. I have a developed a case management career path for my department and plan to share it with the rest of the company and perhaps CMSA as well. We have to be the professionals that are required to understand and provide quality, safe, efficient discharges for our patients and the community oversight that has long been needed to really be the advocate that the patients can count on.

Gary Wolfe
Posts: 4

case manager certification
Reply #1 on : Tue February 22, 2011, 10:53:13

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Jeanne, I agree with you. If you call your self a case manager or or performing case management functions, you should have a case manager certification. Case management is build upon a health care license. Certification protects the consumer but also says something also about the person holding that credential. Credentialing currently is voluntary. It says the person holding a certification has a bench mark of verified education, training and knowledge to be a case manager. I support case manager certification.