What is CMSA?
The Case Management Society of America (CMSA) is the leading membership association dedicated to advancing collaboration across the healthcare continuum. CMSA advocates for patient well-being and improved health outcomes by promoting professional growth, influencing healthcare policy, and providing evidence-based tools and resources for case managers.
Founded in 1990, CMSA is the oldest and largest professional organization focused on the delivery of care management services across all practice settings and models. Through education, networking, and advocacy, CMSA connects case managers, providers, policymakers, and consumers to ensure optimal care outcomes.
To learn more, visit www.cmsa.org.
Membership Information
Annual National Dues:
- Individual A – $170 plus $25 for each local chapter
Case Manager Membership
Open to professionals engaged in the field of case management who hold a health-related degree, current license, or national certification. Members in this category have full voting privileges and may hold local, regional, or national office positions.
Visit www.cmsa.org for additional membership categories.
Local Chapters
Local chapters are the foundation of CMSA, offering community engagement, professional development, and networking opportunities. These grassroots efforts support national initiatives and help educate the public and legislators about the vital role of case management in healthcare.
Our local New York chapter, the Hudson Valley CMSA, embodies this mission—fostering collaboration, education, and advocacy to improve patient outcomes.
What is Case Management?
Case Management is a collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation, care coordination, and advocacy to meet an individual’s health needs through communication and resource management—promoting quality, cost-effective outcomes.
Who Are Case/Care Managers?
Case/Care Managers are advocates who guide patients through their healthcare journey. They help individuals understand their conditions, treatment options, and care plans while coordinating with providers to ensure seamless, patient-centered care.
Where Do Case Managers Work?
Case managers practice across diverse settings, including:
- Healthcare and hospital systems
- Mental health and addiction services
- Long-term and aging care
- Disability and rehabilitation programs
- Occupational health and worker services
- Child welfare and social services
- Community and immigrant/refugee programs
They work across public, nonprofit, and private sectors, supporting individuals and families through complex systems of care.
Training, Licensure & Certification
Case managers come from varied professional backgrounds—nursing, social work, gerontology, and allied health—and possess the knowledge to navigate both clinical and social systems. Many pursue specialized certifications that validate their expertise and commitment to excellence.
Common Certifications Include:
- CCM – Certified Case Manager
- ACM – Accredited Case Manager
- CSWCM – Certified Social Work Case Manager
- CMC – Care Manager, Certified
- CMAC – Case Management Administrator Certification
- CPHM – Certified Professional in Healthcare Management
- CRRN – Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse
- HCQM – Health Care Quality and Management
- RN-BC – Registered Nurse, Board Certified
(and more – visit cmsa.org for full details)
Key Case Management Credentials
CMAG – Case Management Adherence Guidelines
Provide frameworks for assessing and improving patient adherence and motivation, supporting individualized care plans.
CCM – Certified Case Manager
The first nationally accredited credential for case managers, recognizing professionals with the expertise to coordinate care for patients with serious or complex needs.
Learn more at www.ccmcertification.org.
ANCC – American Nurses Credentialing Center
The world’s largest and most prestigious nurse credentialing organization, supporting excellence in nursing and care coordination.
Visit www.nursecredentialing.org.
CM-C – Care Manager, Certified
Administered by the National Academy of Certified Care Managers (NACCM), this certification validates competence in comprehensive care management practice.
Visit www.naccm.net.
CSWCM – Certified Social Work Case Manager
For professional social workers who integrate social, behavioral, and systemic expertise to help individuals and communities achieve health and stability.