CMSA Announces New Model ACT Supporting Case Management Programs

Case Managers Must Become Key Element of Any Health Care Reform Proposal

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Case Management
Society of America (CMSA) announced today the adoption of "The Case Management
Model Act of 2009." Case management is a collaborative process of assessing,
planning, facilitating, and coordinating care to meet an individual's
comprehensive health needs.

Margaret (Peggy) Leonard, MS, RN-BC, FNP, CMSA's President notes that "case
management offers a unique and effective way to mobilize resources to promote
quality-based and cost-effective outcomes for a wide range of populations,
with different health care needs. The Model Act can be configured to be
national in scope or to support specific programs that are funded through a
variety of sources. CMSA is well positioned to offer its support to Congress,
the White House and other public policymakers as they explore different health
care reform proposals."

Cheri Lattimer, RN, BSN, Executive Director, adds "Case management
interventions are used throughout the health care system today as a very
effective solution towards the transition of care, coordination of resources,
reducing costs and improving clinical outcomes. The Model Act demonstrates
the importance of case managers becoming a fundamental element of health care
reform."

The Model Act sets forth important standards for case management services with
key provisions covering Staff Qualifications, Case Management Functions,
Authorized Scope of Services, Payment of Services, Training Requirements,
Quality Management Programs, and Antifraud & Consumer Protections. Provisions
of the Model Act could be adopted either at the federal or state levels
through either legislative or regulatory bodies.

Tracey Moorhead, President and CEO of DMAA: The Care Continuum Alliance, an
industry association representing all stakeholders in chronic disease
prevention and care, calls the Model Act "a valuable resource" for public
policymakers. "Among other attributes, the Model Act highlights key Population
Health Management strategies that address health needs at all points along the
continuum of health and well being, through participation of, engagement with
and targeted interventions for the population," she says. "A primary goal of
care management interventions is to improve the physical and psychosocial well
being of individuals through cost-effective, tailored health solutions. This
Model Act helps provide that framework."

"Case managers are licensed professionals with the experience to support
individuals and their families," notes Carol A. Gleason, MM, RN, CRRN, CCM,
LRC, BCPC, Chairman of CMSA's Public Policy Committee. She adds that "Case
managers provide services that are crucial to saving costs and improving
quality in the health care system, especially with the majority of health care
dollars being spent on chronic illness. With such a fragmented health care
system, case managers provide critical services to help patients and their
caregivers navigate, coordinate, and transition through a dynamic approach to
better achieve their health care goals."

Leonard adds that "Case management programs must be sponsored as part of the
federal health care reform initiative -- without federal support, we will not
be able to harness the full power of case management strategies and
interventions."

A complimentary copy of the new Model Act, which was approved by unanimous
consent by CMSA's Board of Directors earlier this month, can be downloaded at
http://www.cmsa.org/HealthReform or requested by emailing policy@cmsa.org.

About Case Management Society of America (CMSA)

Established in 1990, the Case Management Society of America is an
international non-profit 501(c) (6) multi-disciplinary professional
association dedicated to the support and advancement of the case management
profession through educational forums, networking opportunities, legislative
advocacy, and establishing standards to advance the profession. Based in
Little Rock, AR, CMSA serves more than 20,000 members/subscribers and 73
affiliate and pending chapters. Since its inception, CMSA has been at the
forefront of setting professional standards for the industry, which allows for
the highest level of efficiency and integrity, as well as developing national
and local leaders who are recognized for their practice and professional
excellence. For more information, call CMSA at (501) 225-2229 or go to
www.cmsa.org.

SOURCE Case Management Society of America

Robert Pruss of CMSA, +1-501-673-1142, rpruss@acminet.com