American Medical Directors Certification Program (AMDCP) Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should Medical Directors Become Certified?
With the regulations stemming from Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) '87, and changes in the health care environment, the role of the medical director has become even more central in the delivery of quality care. The increased presence of managed care in long term care settings has emphasized credentialing, and CMD certification has thus taken on additional importance.

Further, a 2009 study commissioned by the AMDCP, and approved by the Institutional Review Board, found that having an AMDA certified medical director contributes positively to a nursing home’s quality of care. Analysis of data showed that quality scores represented a 15% improvement in quality for facilities with CMDs.

Who Can Apply For AMDA CMD?
Physicians (both members and non-members of AMDA) currently serving as medical directors in long term care settings throughout the long term care continuum, including nursing facilities, home care, hospice, and subacute, are eligible to apply for certification. The AMDA CMD program is open to all long term care medical directors who:

• Have completed an accredited post-graduate internship or residency;
• Are licensed in their state, either as MD's or DO's; and
• Serve as medical director in a long term care setting at least 8 hours per month.

What Do I Have To Do To Be Certified?
Certification requires indicators of competence both in clinical medicine and medical direction/administrative medicine in long term care. To become a CMD applicants must:

1. Meet all eligibility requirements;
2. Complete one option in the category of Clinical Medicine; and
3. Complete one option in the category of Medical Direction/Administrative Medicine.

How Do I Apply?
Medical directors must submit a completed application, necessary documentation, and appropriate fee to the AMDCP Board of Directors. The AMDCP Board of Directors reviews applications and awards certification twice yearly. Newly certified physicians who are granted the title of CMD receive a certificate announcing their completion of the program and are recognized at the Long Term Care Medicine, AMDA's annual meeting.

Is Recertification Required?
Yes, to retain the title of CMD, medical directors must reapply every six years. Recertification requirements include current state licensure and AMDA CMD certification, service as a medical director or equivalent administrative or educational role, and completion of approved courses in clinical medicine and medical direction. For more information, see Recertification Requirements.

What is the Cost of Certification?

Initial Certification Fee:			Recertification Fee:
AMDA Member	$475		AMDA Member	$350
Non-member	$575		Non-member	$450

Fees must accompany the application and are non-refundable.

Applications for certification and recertification are available for download at this link.

When Are Applications Due for Consideration for Board Review?
October 1 and April 1 each year.