Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should Medical Directors Become Certified?
With the regulations stemming from 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 AMDA CMD certification has thus taken on additional importance.

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. The process for becoming a Certified Medical Director is composed of three steps:

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 who wish to apply must submit a completed application, necessary documentation, and appropriate fee to the American Medical Directors Certification Program Board of Directors. The AMDCP Board of Directors (American Medical Directors Certification Program Board of Directors) reviews applications and awards certification twice a year. Newly certified physicians who are granted the title of Certified Medical Director (AMDA CMD) receive a certificate announcing their completion of the program and are recognized at the annual meeting of the American Medical Directors Association.

Is Recertification Required?
Yes, to retain the title of Certified Medical Director in Long Term Care, 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	$425		AMDA Member	$300
Non-member	$525		Non-member	$400

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.