Welcome to AIOCM

Certification

Today, consumers, payers, providers, employers, regulators and society are demanding a method to determine value, quality, accountability and cost efficiency in the provision of health care services across multiple continuums of care, health and quality of life. To meet these demands, organizations must set up new strategies and initiatives. Outcomes-case management is one of the new initiatives. As organizations move to implement outcomes-case management as an initiative, it is apparent that the traditional model focusing on functions such as assessment, planning, coordination, intervention, monitoring, pre-authorization, and utilization review is not adequate. Today's health care environment requires the focus to be on outcomes, results, performance and measurements.

The American Institute of Outcomes-Case Management (AIOCM) activities are organized around the implementation of outcomes-case management, certification of outcomes-case managers, advancement of outcomes-case management and the development of quality measures in outcomes-case management.

The AIOCM certification represents an added credential that attests to attainment of special knowledge in outcomes-case management. Upon completion of the AIOCM certification requirements, duly certified members of AIOCM may use the letters "CMC" following their names in professional correspondence, on business cards and on curriculum vitae. "Case Management Certified" is abbreviated as "CMC." CMC distinguishes the case manager as being an individual knowledgeable in case management as it pertains to outcomes, data and performance measurement. CMC denotes that the professional is prepared to meet the clinical quality and cost outcomes needs of the consumer, the payer, the provider, the employer and the regulator.

CMC represents that the professional has met certain criteria. The criteria include meeting standards of general education, professional experience, education in outcomes-case management, successful completion of the certification examination, professional and social behavior. It represents to the consumer, the payer, the provider, the employer, the regulator and the society that the individual possesses knowledge and attributes fundamental in the implementation of outcomes-case management. Certification fosters and improves professional practice and conduct. In many regional areas, certification can lead to expanded career opportunities for the professional. The certification credential carries no licensing authority. As evidence of certification AIOCM maintains a registry of holders.

AIOCM believes that since outcomes can only be achieved by a multidisciplinary effort, all health care professionals such as, medical doctors, nurses, executives, respiratory therapists, social workers, pharmacists, etc., can become AIOCM certified provided they meet the AIOCM certification requirements. AIOCM does not believe that only a segment of the health care professionals (registered nurses or social workers) are qualified to be certified case managers.

I. WHO BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION PROCESS?

The practitioner, the consumer, the payer, the provider, the employer, the regulator and society all benefit from the certification process.

The Practitioner: Certification is an important step for the practitioner. Certification is a source of personal achievement that allows the practitioner to set themselves apart from peers. Practitioners who become certified demonstrate commitment to the professionalism of their field, dedication to the advancement of health and outcome-based case management, and a dedication to the AIOCM code of ethics and continuing education. Certification gives the practitioner an opportunity to gain recognition, visibility and credibility.

The Consumer: Certification indicates to the consumer that their interests are being cared for. Consumers are assured that they are being served by organizations and professionals that possess knowledge and attributes in case management driven by outcomes.

The payer/ The provider/ The Employer: Employers of certified outcomes-case managers could include payers, providers, regulators, consumer and other entities. For the employers, certification represents that the certified outcomes-case manager possesses a core body of knowledge that would advance the outcome goals and objectives of the employer. The certification represents that the certified outcomes-case manager is committed to professional and ethical behavior. It also represents that the practitioner is committed to continuing education and self-improvement to meet the changing needs of the consumer and the marketplace.

The Regulator: Certified outcomes-case managers adhere to a code of ethics, procedures and standards so that the reported data is as reliable and as valid as possible. This assists the regulators in their decision-making activities.

The Society: Certification represents a special credential attesting to knowledge and trust backed by data driven accountability.

II. CERTIFICATION PROCESS

AIOCM has developed two processes for certification. These are: the Standard Process and the Portfolio Review Process.

THE STANDARD CERTIFICATION PROCESS: The standard certification process involves the applicant meeting the general education, professional experience, education in outcomes-case management, ethical requirements, and the passing of an examination administered by the AIOCM. General education, general professional experience and education in outcomes-case management are assigned eligibility points and the applicant is required to score a minimum number of points in the three categories.

Those exceptionally experienced candidates who do not meet the eligibility points under the standard procedure may apply under the portfolio review process.

THE PORTFOLIO REVIEW PROCESS: AIOCM is supportive of alternative ways to qualify professionals to meet the certification requirements. This is achieved through the Portfolio Review Procedure. This procedure allows a professional to assemble a portfolio of their education, training and experience for evaluation by AIOCM. AIOCM seeks to establish that the professional has had a solid foundation on which to build their skills. Under this procedure, applicants will be considered from professionals with over 10 years of related professional experience.

Applicants will be required to submit a portfolio of their educational background, work experience, and relevant training in outcomes-case management for evaluation by AIOCM. Applicant will also be required to submit a statement indicating why the applicant will make an effective outcomes-case manager, how the applicant's past education and experience have prepared the applicant to be an effective case manager and two personal references. At least one personal reference must be from an AIOCM CMC familiar with the applicant's professional qualifications and experience. The AIOCM CMC must recommend the applicant for approval as a CMC. The applicant must also pass an examination administered by AIOCM.

To be certified the applicant must be a member of AIOCM. The certification process:

The applicant sends the completed application, appropriate documentation, and required fees to AIOCM. The application will be acknowledged upon receipt via mail. The candidate will be notified if additional information is needed.
AIOCM determines the applicants eligibility.
Eligible applicants who have met the examination requirement will be certified and be notified via mail.
Eligible applicants who have not met the examination requirements will be notified and sent examination instructions. Applicants will have 120 days to meet the examination requirements. Upon successfully meeting the examination requirements, applicants will be certified and notified via mail.
If the applicant is not eligible for certification or does not meet the examination requirements within the specified time, the application for certification will be denied. Applicant will be required to wait 6 months before reapplying. If the application for certification is denied but approved for membership, the applicant may choose to withdraw the membership application. If the applicant chooses to withdraw the membership application, then the membership fee will be refunded. However, the application fee will not be refunded.
Application processing and review time will be 4 weeks from receipt of application.

III. EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants meeting the eligibility requirements will be required to validate their knowledge by taking an examination administered by AIOCM. The examination is a two hour examination covering knowledge in outcomes-case management, business, finance, management, critical thinking capabilities and other relevant areas to outcomes-case management. Applicants have the option of completing the examination requirements before or after the submission of an application. The examination will be administered in various cities throughout the United States. If you have special needs that may prevent you from taking the examination, please advise us and we will attempt to accommodate your request.

Applicants who have passed examinations before April 1, 1998, administered by approved continuing education providers, colleges and universities, that covered 75% of the outcomes-case management educational objectives outlined in Section VI, Table C, will meet the examination requirements.

IV. RE-CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Re-certification is required every two years. Re-certification is a process whereby the outcomes-case manager demonstrates ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance the ability to perform in an informed and competitive manner. Because outcomes-case management is an emerging specialty and because major changes are happening rapidly in the health care industry, re-certification is necessary every two years. To maintain this certification, the applicant must:

Be a member in good standing with AIOCM.
Agree to adhere to the code of ethics as defined by AIOCM.
Sharpen their skills through continuing education or professional service. The CMC must accumulate 7 points during the two-year re-certification interval. Following are certification maintenance options valued at specified number of points. Certification maintenance is achieved by completing any combination of options with points that total 7 or more.

Continuing education in outcomes-case management through approved educational entities (1 point per 3 CEU).
Publication of a relevant solely authored technical paper, case history, or opinion paper (7 points).
Publication of a relevant jointly authored technical paper, case history, or opinion paper (4 points).
Publications of a solely or jointly authored book (7 points).
Publication of a relevant solely authored chapter in a textbook, handbook, or compendium (7 points).
Publication of solely or jointly authored technical paper or case history in AIOCM online journal (7 points).
Service as a faculty member for a relevant course requiring classroom instructions in an approved continuing education institution, community college, university or graduate school (1 pt/3 hrs of classroom instruction).
Successful completion of an undergraduate or graduate level course (7 points).
Service as a peer reviewer for a paper for AIOCM (2 points).
Service as a peer reviewer of AIOCM CMC certification application (1 point).
Service as a reviewer for a proposed health care standard/policy. Reviewer's work must include written comments on the standard/policy being reviewed and may be published in the AIOCM Online Journal (2-7 points).

V. AIOCM STANDARD CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY

The standard certification eligibility is based on the applicant meeting minimum points in the areas of general education, professional experience and education in outcomes-case management. The criteria for minimum point requirements can be e-mailed to you, just click here to e-mail us your request.

VI. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR CERTIFICATION

The required documents must be originals or notarized copies.

Signed and completed application and appropriate fees.
Two personal references from professionals and/or colleagues the applicant have worked with. The personal references must comment on the professional, moral and ethical behavior of the applicant.
Proof of completion of general education - transcripts or copies of degrees, diplomas, must be notarized.
Original letter(s) from current and/or past employer(s) indicating activities being performed, responsibility for the activities and percentage of time spent performing the various activities. The letter(s) must cover the last three years.
Outcomes-case management education - list relevant course objectives from the list on Page 6, Table C, that your educational program(s) covered and the length of the program(s). For verification, submit program(s) brochures and manuals. Also, submit proof of completion.
Proof of completion of examination administered by AIOCM.
Letter acknowledging the AIOCM code of ethics and agreeing to abide by the AIOCM code of ethics.

VII. DENIAL OF CERTIFICATION

Application may be denied when the application and/or supporting documentation is incomplete, illegible, not properly notarized, does not substantiate or properly demonstrate the applicant's minimum eligibility criteria, and/or does not contain the correct fees. When an application is denied for eligibility reasons, the applicant will be notified in writing. The applicant will have 30 days to correct and submit any documentation necessary to properly complete the application process and verify minimum eligibility requirements.

Application will be denied when the applicant does not meet the examination requirements. If the application is denied, the applicant will be required to wait 6 months before reapplying.

When a re-certification application is denied, the candidate will no longer be able to use the title "CMC."

VIII. FEES

Application Fee $ 50.00

Examination Fee $ 75.00

Annual Membership Fee (General Membership) $ 75.00

Re-Certification Application Fee $ 50.00

If application for membership and certification is submitted at the same time then only 1 application fee is required.