A Message to Our CCM & CDMS Community – Response to the COVID-19 Virus
To Our CCM & CDMS Community:
The Commission for Case Manager Certification is dedicated to protecting and advancing patient health by credentialing and supporting a workforce of professional case managers who are ready to take on today’s health challenges. Our work as a case management community is being put to the test as the global coronavirus pandemic is affecting us all—as citizens, as families and as colleagues. It is our duty, as responsible global citizens, to do what is within our means to prevent the spread of the virus.
As you take specific actions to keep your clients, your loved ones and yourself safe and healthy at this critical time, please know that you have the support of the Commission and our strong community of case managers and disability management specialists.
To assist our community and protect our staff and volunteers, we are taking several immediate steps that we hope will be helpful to you as you navigate through this difficult time. Given the fluidity of the situation, we will keep you apprised of any additional modifications that arise.
CCMC Operations Will Continue Virtually
The CCMC staff, including Certification and Renewal Navigators, will be maintaining regular business hours (8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT) on a telecommuting basis until further notice. Staff and volunteer travel have been suspended, with meetings to be conducted virtually.
Spring 2020 Date to Renew Your CCM Extended to June 30
We know that many of you recognize the value of the CCM, but as priorities are juggled, renewing your certification in a timely manner may be difficult. To ensure you have enough time to complete your CE requirements, we have decided to extend the window for Spring renewals. Therefore, if your CCM is due to expire May 31, 2020, you will now have until June 30, 2020 to complete the CE requirements and apply for renewal.
New World Symposium (NWS) CEs Provided
Given the rapidly changing situation last week, the Commission wants to ensure that all attendees can access quality, equivalent CE opportunities if their attendance was impacted in any way. As a result, we are making the following opportunities available to all paid Symposium attendees:
- All NWS attendees, virtual and face-to-face, have received an invitation to our live CMLearning Network webinar scheduled at 1 p.m. EDT on March 24, “Caring for the Caregiver: Ethical Issues Managing Dementia.” This program serves as the replacement CE for the one (1) program session that was canceled on Friday, March 13 during the Symposium. Those who cannot attend the live webinar, may earn the CE by accessing the webinar on-demand following the live broadcast. The CE fee for this program has been waived for paid NWS registrants.
- In addition, NWS attendees changed from in-person to virtual attendance due to coronavirus will receive information on how to access seven (7) complimentary CEs. These seven (7) CEs will be provided so that attendees may still earn the full number of CEs originally offered through the conference. Please look for a follow-up email communication regarding this offer in your inbox or spam by March 27th.
April CCM Exam Date Moved to August
With the temporary closure of the Prometric test centers, we have canceled the April CCM exam for the entire month. Those scheduled to take the April exam will now be eligible to take their test between August 1 and September 19 as part of an extended testing window.
- In addition, please note that the Commission will be delaying the release of the new exam blueprint until the December administration to ensure that candidates who have already invested in preparatory materials will not be adversely affected.
- Those impacted by this change will receive a personal communication from the Commission regarding next steps and rescheduling by March 27th. To avoid any confusion, please do not cancel or reschedule your April appointment until you receive the updated email. Please watch your inbox and spam folder for this communication.
As we navigate these uncertain times, it is critically important that we take care of ourselves as well as our clients. Our deepest gratitude goes out to all of you, who we know are on the front lines demonstrating bravery and commitment in the face of these challenges.
If you have any questions about the changes we’ve implemented or have other concerns or needs, please do not hesitate to let us know. Again, we’ll stay in close touch as we have additional information to share. Until then, we send you peace, positivity and healing thoughts.
In health and gratitude,
Michelle Baker, BS, RN, CRRN, CCM
2019.2020 Chair
Commission for Case Manager Certification
MaryBeth Kurland, CAE
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Commission for Case Manager Certification