Little Rock, AR - As a member-based association, CMSA consistently strives to provide only the highest-quality member programs and services in response to the expressed needs of our members. To that end, the CMSA Board of Directors met in October 2004 to revitalize their vision for the future. Building on CMSA's solid framework, these plans plot the future of case management and are set to lead industry transformation in the face of rapid changes in healthcare, economics, technology, and the world at large.

One strategy seeks to passionately claim case management's place in the healthcare team through purposeful communication strategies with every stakeholder group. Toward that goal, CMSA has announced the development of a Legislative Council (LC). The development of the LC represents CMSA's first formal activity in the public policy arena.

CMSA's Public Policy program will be dedicated to promoting the value of case management to elected officials at the local, state and federal levels. The Legislative Council will actively work to educate legislators, employers, regulators, and the consumer about case management and its advanced care management role.

Initially, Council goals include development of policies and procedures for establishing and mobilizing a grassroots network of local case managers through CMSA's 70 affiliate and pending chapters. The legislative council will also identify legislative and regulatory issues, as well as provide legislative recommendations to the CMSA Board of Directors.

According to Margaret Leonard, CMSA Board Member and LC Committee Chair, "We're looking for Legislative Council members who are truly dedicated to serving the needs of this industry and ensuring its views are raised to the highest level through a strong advocacy program. In the end, the commitment, focus and relevance of the Legislative Council lie within the roles its members play not only within CMSA, but also in the industry at large."

From very humble roots, CMSA first emerged, developed and launched the case management industry, forging a career path for today's case managers. Over its 15 year history, CMSA has not only grown, but thrives as the professional association for case managers and for the industry. "Although much has changed throughout the years, one thing remains unchanged ... case management has always been about advocacy for the patients we serve. In fact, CMSA formally defined advocacy as a core component of the case management process, and it remains an important component as stated in the Standards of Practice for Case Management. We are excited to be taking this important step," says CMSA President, Sherry Aliotta.

CMSA members are encouraged to become familiar with the Legislative Council. Members of the LC provide a valuable resource for case managers to learn more about the key issues facing the industry and CMSA's efforts to address them. Likewise, CMSA members can and do provide valuable input to assist the LC in its determination of priority issues and management of the legislative affairs program.

For more information about the Legislative Council or CMSA, visit www.cmsa.org or contact CMSA Member Services at 501-225-2229, ext 10.
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