November 5-6, 2027 | Virtual Program

The Core Synthesis is part two of the two-part Core Curriculum on Medical Direction in Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (PALTC). This live interactive course is comprised of dynamic lectures, spirited role plays, case-based discussions, and small group breakouts. After completing the Synthesis course, participants will be able to integrate the tools, knowledge, and skills learned into their practice as a PALTC medical director.  Emphasis is placed on implementing the use of QAPI tools, problem-solving concepts, and root cause analysis in monitoring and managing quality indicators and quality management data and incorporating systems theory, systems management, and leadership skills into the daily work of the PALTC medical director.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, learners will be able to:

• Develop practical skills needed to fulfill the role and responsibilities of the medical director.
• Identify the unique aspects of the PALTC environment that impact the medical director’s job.
• Describe the organizational responsibilities and dynamics of the medical director and the interdisciplinary team (IDT).
• Develop communication skills to deal with responsibilities for the IDT, residents, and their families.
• Explain the resident care responsibilities of the medical director, including emergency care, quality management, family systems, and ethical considerations.
• Enhance leadership skills and team building towards a stronger role for the medical director with the IDT.
• Develop human resource skills to deal with difficult situations and improve personal effectiveness.
• Improve the medical director’s ability to learn and practice in the evolving environment of health care delivery.
• Apply newly acquired knowledge to daily facility and practice activities.

All Times are Eastern Time Zone.

*Program is subject to change.

• 11.5 CME
• 11.5 CMD Management
• 11.5 MOC

Credit Statements

Accreditation: Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CME Designation: Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association designates this live activity for a maximum of 11.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CMD Credit Hours: This CME activity has been pre-approved for up to 11.5 management hour(s) toward certification or recertification as a Certified Medical Director (CMD) in post-acute and long-term care medicine. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent on the activity. The CMD Program is administered by PALTmed. For further information, contact PALTmed at 410-992-3115 or at certification@paltmed.org.

ABIM MOC: Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 11.5 Medical Knowledge MOC points and patient safety MOC credit in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

Financial Disclosure Statement

The following faculty and/or planners disclosed a relevant financial relationship: 

• Luz Ramos-Bonner, MD, MBA, CMD - Stock Shareholder: InnovAge; Full-time/Part-time Employee: Independence Blue Cross
• Meenakshi Patel, MD, CMD – Speakers Bureau: Viatris, Teva and Otsuka/Lundbeck; Grant Research: Janssen, Eli Lilly, GSK, LMT, Acadia, Annovis
• Todd Sobol, MD, CMD – Advisory Board: CareBand Inc. 
• Richard Stefanacci, DO, MBA, CMD - Consultant: Active Protective (TangoBelt)
• Glen Xiong, MD, CMD - Advisory Board: Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Medical Policy and Therapeutics Committee; Consultant: iTreat, Asynch Health; Honoraria: Wolter Kluwers, American Psychiatric Publishing Inc; Stock Shareholder: SafelyYou

All relevant relationships have been mitigated by the Association. No one else in control of content disclosed any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Space is limited — Reserve your place now!

Course Pricing

Become an PALTmed member and save!

Registration Cancellation

Cancellations must be submitted via email to registration@paltmed.org. Cancellations must be received two weeks (14 days) prior to the start of the course for a full refund less a $100 administrative fee. Cancellations received less than two weeks (14 days) prior to the start of the course will result in the forfeiture of all registration fees. "No Shows" also forfeit all fees. Forfeited registration fees cannot be applied to subsequent PALTmed programs.

If it becomes necessary to cancel or postpone the start date of the course, PALTmed will not be responsible for travel or hotel costs incurred by the registrant. A full refund of registration fees will be made if the course is not rescheduled, or if the registrant is unable to attend the rescheduled course.

February 19-20, 2027 | Virtual Program

The Core Synthesis is part two of the two-part Core Curriculum on Medical Direction in Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (PALTC). This live interactive course is comprised of dynamic lectures, spirited role plays, case-based discussions, and small group breakouts. After completing the Synthesis course, participants will be able to integrate the tools, knowledge, and skills learned into their practice as a PALTC medical director.  Emphasis is placed on implementing the use of QAPI tools, problem-solving concepts, and root cause analysis in monitoring and managing quality indicators and quality management data and incorporating systems theory, systems management, and leadership skills into the daily work of the PALTC medical director.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, learners will be able to:

• Develop practical skills needed to fulfill the role and responsibilities of the medical director.
• Identify the unique aspects of the PALTC environment that impact the medical director’s job.
• Describe the organizational responsibilities and dynamics of the medical director and the interdisciplinary team (IDT).
• Develop communication skills to deal with responsibilities for the IDT, residents, and their families.
• Explain the resident care responsibilities of the medical director, including emergency care, quality management, family systems, and ethical considerations.
• Enhance leadership skills and team building towards a stronger role for the medical director with the IDT.
• Develop human resource skills to deal with difficult situations and improve personal effectiveness.
• Improve the medical director’s ability to learn and practice in the evolving environment of health care delivery.
• Apply newly acquired knowledge to daily facility and practice activities.

All Times are Eastern Time Zone.

*Program is subject to change.

• 11.5 CME
• 11.5 CMD Management
• 11.5 MOC

Credit Statements

Accreditation: Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CME Designation: Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association designates this live activity for a maximum of 11.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CMD Credit Hours: This CME activity has been pre-approved for up to 11.5 management hour(s) toward certification or recertification as a Certified Medical Director (CMD) in post-acute and long-term care medicine. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent on the activity. The CMD Program is administered by PALTmed. For further information, contact PALTmed at 410-992-3115 or at certification@paltmed.org.

ABIM MOC: Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 11.5 Medical Knowledge MOC points and patient safety MOC credit in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

Financial Disclosure Statement

The following faculty and/or planners disclosed a relevant financial relationship: 

• Luz Ramos-Bonner, MD, MBA, CMD - Stock Shareholder: InnovAge; Full-time/Part-time Employee: Independence Blue Cross
• Meenakshi Patel, MD, CMD – Speakers Bureau: Viatris, Teva and Otsuka/Lundbeck; Grant Research: Janssen, Eli Lilly, GSK, LMT, Acadia, Annovis
• Todd Sobol, MD, CMD – Advisory Board: CareBand Inc. 
• Richard Stefanacci, DO, MBA, CMD - Consultant: Active Protective (TangoBelt)
• Glen Xiong, MD, CMD - Advisory Board: Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Medical Policy and Therapeutics Committee; Consultant: iTreat, Asynch Health; Honoraria: Wolter Kluwers, American Psychiatric Publishing Inc; Stock Shareholder: SafelyYou

All relevant relationships have been mitigated by the Association. No one else in control of content disclosed any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Space is limited — Reserve your place now!

Course Pricing

Become an PALTmed member and save!

Registration Cancellation

Cancellations must be submitted via email to registration@paltmed.org. Cancellations must be received two weeks (14 days) prior to the start of the course for a full refund less a $100 administrative fee. Cancellations received less than two weeks (14 days) prior to the start of the course will result in the forfeiture of all registration fees. "No Shows" also forfeit all fees. Forfeited registration fees cannot be applied to subsequent PALTmed programs.

If it becomes necessary to cancel or postpone the start date of the course, PALTmed will not be responsible for travel or hotel costs incurred by the registrant. A full refund of registration fees will be made if the course is not rescheduled, or if the registrant is unable to attend the rescheduled course.

November 13-14, 2026 | Virtual Program

The Core Synthesis is part two of the two-part Core Curriculum on Medical Direction in Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (PALTC). This live interactive course is comprised of dynamic lectures, spirited role plays, case-based discussions, and small group breakouts. After completing the Synthesis course, participants will be able to integrate the tools, knowledge, and skills learned into their practice as a PALTC medical director.  Emphasis is placed on implementing the use of QAPI tools, problem-solving concepts, and root cause analysis in monitoring and managing quality indicators and quality management data and incorporating systems theory, systems management, and leadership skills into the daily work of the PALTC medical director.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, learners will be able to:

• Develop practical skills needed to fulfill the role and responsibilities of the medical director.
• Identify the unique aspects of the PALTC environment that impact the medical director’s job.
• Describe the organizational responsibilities and dynamics of the medical director and the interdisciplinary team (IDT).
• Develop communication skills to deal with responsibilities for the IDT, residents, and their families.
• Explain the resident care responsibilities of the medical director, including emergency care, quality management, family systems, and ethical considerations.
• Enhance leadership skills and team building towards a stronger role for the medical director with the IDT.
• Develop human resource skills to deal with difficult situations and improve personal effectiveness.
• Improve the medical director’s ability to learn and practice in the evolving environment of health care delivery.
• Apply newly acquired knowledge to daily facility and practice activities.

All Times are Eastern Time Zone.

*Program is subject to change.

• 11.5 CME
• 11.5 CMD Management
• 11.5 MOC

Credit Statements

Accreditation: Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CME Designation: Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association designates this live activity for a maximum of 11.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CMD Credit Hours: This CME activity has been pre-approved for up to 11.5 management hour(s) toward certification or recertification as a Certified Medical Director (CMD) in post-acute and long-term care medicine. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent on the activity. The CMD Program is administered by PALTmed. For further information, contact PALTmed at 410-992-3115 or at certification@paltmed.org.

ABIM MOC: Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 11.5 Medical Knowledge MOC points and patient safety MOC credit in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

Financial Disclosure Statement

The following faculty and/or planners disclosed a relevant financial relationship: 

• Luz Ramos-Bonner, MD, MBA, CMD - Stock Shareholder: InnovAge; Fulltime/Parttime Employee: Independence Blue Cross
• Meenakshi Patel, MD, CMD – Speakers Bureau: Viatris, Teva and Otsuka/Lundbeck; Grant Research: Janssen, Eli Lilly, GSK, LMT, Acadia, Annovis
• Todd Sobol, MD, CMD – Advisory Board: CareBand Inc. 
• Richard Stefanacci, DO, MBA, CMD - Consultant: Active Protective (TangoBelt)
• Glen Xiong, MD, CMD - Advisory Board: Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Medical Policy and Therapeutics Committee; Consultant: iTreat, Asynch Health; Honoraria: Wolter Kluwers, American Psychiatric Publishing Inc; Stock Shareholder: SafelyYou

All relevant relationships have been mitigated by the Association. No one else in control of content disclosed any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Space is limited — Reserve your place now!

Course Pricing

Become an PALTmed member and save!

Registration Cancellation

Cancellations must be submitted via email to registration@paltmed.org. Cancellations must be received two weeks (14 days) prior to the start of the course for a full refund less a $100 administrative fee. Cancellations received less than two weeks (14 days) prior to the start of the course will result in the forfeiture of all registration fees. "No Shows" also forfeit all fees. Forfeited registration fees cannot be applied to subsequent PALTmed programs.

If it becomes necessary to cancel or postpone the start date of the course, PALTmed will not be responsible for travel or hotel costs incurred by the registrant. A full refund of registration fees will be made if the course is not rescheduled, or if the registrant is unable to attend the rescheduled course.

Business of Medicine Virtual Symposium | June 3, 2026 | 10am-5pm ET

Save the Date! Additional details coming soon.

The second annual Business of Medicine Symposium will follow up on the successful launch of this event, with spirited interactive discussions and presentations on the latest industry trends, helping clinicians and other leaders can find their way in a fast-paced and complicated business and regulatory environment.

Save 20% with the Certification Bundle. 

This bundle includes:

• Online Core Curriculum,
• Core Synthesis to be held virtually, November 5-6, 2027, and 
• The CMD Certification Application Fee.

The certification bundle includes all three essential components for your CMD certification: Online Core Curriculum, Core Synthesis, and Certification Application Fee. Your CMD application fee is non-refundable.

• A refund of the full certification bundle fee, minus the CMD application fee, if the request is sent to registration@paltmed.org within 7 calendar days of registration and no progress has been made in the Online Core Curriculum.
• A refund of 50% of the registration fee less a $100 administrative fee if the request is received by registration@paltmed.org within:
  • 30 calendar days of registration and no more than 50% progress has been made in the Online Core Curriculum. Or,
  • 14 calendar days of the date of the Core Synthesis.

• If it becomes necessary to cancel or postpone the dates of the Core Synthesis, the Association will not be responsible for travel or hotel costs incurred by the registrant.
• A full refund of the registration fees will be paid if the Core Synthesis is not re-scheduled or the registrant cannot attend the rescheduled Core Synthesis.
• No refunds will be granted for individuals who claim continuing education credits or do not complete the Online Core Curriculum within the 6-month period given.
• No refunds will be granted after 30 calendar days of registration.
  • If you have a conflict that arises for the Core Synthesis date, we can transfer you to a future Core Synthesis at no cost.
• "No Shows" to the Core Synthesis forfeit all registration fees.  Forfeited fees cannot be applied to subsequent Association programs.
• No refunds will be granted to individuals who experience technical difficulties. If you have questions about the system requirements to participate in this online education program or the refund policy, contact the Education Department at education@paltmed.org or 410-992-3122.

Save 20% with the Certification Bundle. 

This bundle includes:

• Online Core Curriculum,
• Core Synthesis to be held virtually, February 19-20, 2027, and 
• The CMD Certification Application Fee.

The certification bundle includes all three essential components for your CMD certification: Online Core Curriculum, Core Synthesis, and Certification Application Fee. Your CMD application fee is non-refundable.

• A refund of the full certification bundle fee, minus the CMD application fee, if the request is sent to registration@paltmed.org within 7 calendar days of registration and no progress has been made in the Online Core Curriculum.
• A refund of 50% of the registration fee less a $100 administrative fee if the request is received by registration@paltmed.org within:
  • 30 calendar days of registration and no more than 50% progress has been made in the Online Core Curriculum. Or,
  • 14 calendar days of the date of the Core Synthesis.

• If it becomes necessary to cancel or postpone the dates of the Core Synthesis, the Association will not be responsible for travel or hotel costs incurred by the registrant.
• A full refund of the registration fees will be paid if the Core Synthesis is not re-scheduled or the registrant cannot attend the rescheduled Core Synthesis.
• No refunds will be granted for individuals who claim continuing education credits or do not complete the Online Core Curriculum within the 6-month period given.
• No refunds will be granted after 30 calendar days of registration.
  • If you have a conflict that arises for the Core Synthesis date, we can transfer you to a future Core Synthesis at no cost.
• "No Shows" to the Core Synthesis forfeit all registration fees.  Forfeited fees cannot be applied to subsequent Association programs.
• No refunds will be granted to individuals who experience technical difficulties. If you have questions about the system requirements to participate in this online education program or the refund policy, contact the Education Department at education@paltmed.org or 410-992-3122.

Save 20% with the Certification Bundle. 

This bundle includes:

• Online Core Curriculum,
• Core Synthesis to be held virtually, November 13-14, 2026, and 
• The CMD Certification Application Fee.

The certification bundle includes all three essential components for your CMD certification: Online Core Curriculum, Core Synthesis, and Certification Application Fee. Your CMD application fee is non-refundable.

• A refund of the full certification bundle fee, minus the CMD application fee, if the request is sent to registration@paltmed.org within 7 calendar days of registration and no progress has been made in the Online Core Curriculum.
• A refund of 50% of the registration fee less a $100 administrative fee if the request is received by registration@paltmed.org within:
  • 30 calendar days of registration and no more than 50% progress has been made in the Online Core Curriculum. Or,
  • 14 calendar days of the date of the Core Synthesis.

• If it becomes necessary to cancel or postpone the dates of the Core Synthesis, the Association will not be responsible for travel or hotel costs incurred by the registrant.
• A full refund of the registration fees will be paid if the Core Synthesis is not re-scheduled or the registrant cannot attend the rescheduled Core Synthesis.
• No refunds will be granted for individuals who claim continuing education credits or do not complete the Online Core Curriculum within the 6-month period given.
• No refunds will be granted after 30 calendar days of registration.
  • If you have a conflict that arises for the Core Synthesis date, we can transfer you to a future Core Synthesis at no cost.
• "No Shows" to the Core Synthesis forfeit all registration fees.  Forfeited fees cannot be applied to subsequent Association programs.
• No refunds will be granted to individuals who experience technical difficulties. If you have questions about the system requirements to participate in this online education program or the refund policy, contact the Education Department at education@paltmed.org or 410-992-3122.

The Online Core is part one of the two-part Core Curriculum on Medical Direction in Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (PALTC). The course consists of a series of 30 interactive on-demand modules that provide comprehensive instruction on the medical director role within the PALTC setting. The Online Core also includes live monthly facilitator-led virtual forums, allowing you to discuss the course material in real time with faculty and other participants. Learners can complete the course at their own pace and on their own schedule. Upon completion of the Online Core, participants will be able to effectively fulfill the roles, functions, and tasks of the PALTC medical director.

View the course syllabus.

Learning Objectives

At the completion of this activity, learners should be able to: 

• Develop practical skills needed to fulfill the role and responsibilities of the medical director.
• Identify the unique aspects of the PALTC environment that impact the medical director position.
• Describe the organizational responsibilities and dynamics of the medical director and the IDT.
• Develop communication skills to deal with responsibilities for the IDT, residents, and their families.
• Explain the resident care responsibilities of the medical director, including emergency care, quality management, family systems, and ethical considerations.
• Enhance leadership skills and team building towards a stronger role for the medical director with the IDT.
• Develop human resource skills to deal with difficult situations and improve personal effectiveness.
• Improve the medical director’s ability to learn and practice in the evolving health care delivery environment.
• Apply newly acquired knowledge to daily facility and practice activities.

Course Access

Once registered, learners will have access to the course for twelve months after the date of initial registration. 

Module

Domain 1: Foundation/Basic Concepts

1 | Course Introduction
Estimated Length: 15 Minutes
Section 1: The Core Curriculum
Section 2: Medical Director Roles, Functions, and Tasks

2 | Overview of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care
Estimated Length: 35 minutes
Section 1: Demographics and History of Long-Term Care Modules
Section 2: Overview of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Continuum
Section 3: Payors of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care
Section 4: Health Care Industry Trends

3 | Laws and Regulations
Estimated Length: 35 minutes
Section 1: A Brief History: Laws, Regulations, and Federal Government Involvement
Section 2: Overview of Federal Regulations: Intent, Breadth, and Structure
Section 3: How to Find Relevant Regulations
Section 4: Case: Applying Regulations to Everyday Situations

4 | Surveys
Estimated Length: 30 minutes
Section 1: Survey Types and Preparation
Section 2: Onsite Survey Activities
Section 3: What Happens When Deficient Practices Are Identified?
Section 4: What Happens After a Survey?

5 | Responding to Deficiencies
Estimated Length: 30 minutes
Section 1: Plan of Correction
Section 2: Reviewing and Writing Policies

6 | Fundamentals of Nursing Facility Financing
Estimated Length: 50 minutes
Section 1: The Structure of the Nursing Facility Industry
Section 2: Sources of Nursing Facility Revenue
Section 3: PDPM
Section 4: Major Categories of Nursing Facility Expense

7 | Financial Delivery Models and Medical Director Leadership
Estimated Length: 30 minutes
Section 1: The Changing Landscape of Delivery Models and Payments
Section 2: Applying Financial Information in the Role of Nursing Facility Medical Director

8 | Organizational Structure, Culture, and Relationships
Estimated Length: 15 minutes
Section 1: Organizational Structures
Section 2: Organizational Culture
Section 3: Medical Director Role Within an Organization

9 | Resident Rights
Estimated Length: 35 minutes
Section 1: Medical Director Roles and Responsibilities
Section 2: Resident Rights and F-Tags
Section 3: Person-Directed Care
Section 4: Abuse and Neglect
Section 5: Rights Related to Facility Stays

10 | Employee Health and Safety
Estimated Length: 40 minutes
Section 1: Why the Medical Director Should Know About Employee Health
Section 2: Common Nursing Facility Occupational Illnesses
Section 3: Common Nursing Facility Occupational Injuries
Section 4: The Medical Director's Role in Supporting Employee Health and Safety

11 | Medical Director's Agreement and Reporting Responsibilities
Estimated Length: 25 minutes
Section 1: The Medical Director’s Agreement
Section 2: Medical Director Compensation
Section 3: The Medical Director’s Report

12 | Medical Staff Coordination
Estimated Length: 30 minutes
Section 1: Overview of the Medical Director’s Role
Section 2: Medical Care Coordination
Section 3: Tools for Successful Implementation

Domain 2: Processes of Care

13 | Oversight of Provider Documentation
Estimated Length: 35 minutes
Section 1: Provider Documentation
Section 2: Oversight of Provider Documentation
Section 3: Audits

14 | Federal Regulations on Privacy and Documentation
Estimated Length: 25 minutes
Section 1: Federal Regulations on Privacy
Section 2: Example Scenarios for Medical Directors

15 | The Resident Assessment Instrument: Minimum Data Set and Care Area Assessment
Estimated Length: 30 minutes
Section 1: History and Terminology of Resident Assessment
Section 2: The Care Process
Section 3: Workflow of Resident Assessment: Who, What, When, Why, and How
Section 4: Sections of the Minimum Data Set (MDS)

16 | Patient-Centered Care Planning
Estimated Length: 25 minutes
Section 1: Care Area Assessment
Section 2: Patient-Centered Care Planning

17 | Health Care Ethics
Estimated Length: 25 minutes
Section 1: Key Principles of Health Care Ethics
Section 2: Decision-Making Capacity
Section 3: Advance Directives
Section 4: Medical Director Roles and Responsibilities

18 | Working with Families
Estimated Length: 25 minutes
Section 1: Family Dynamics
Section 2: The Family Meeting
Section 3: Communicating Bad News

19 | Medical Direction in Hospice
Estimated Length: 25 minutes
Section 1: Hospice History and Fundamentals
Section 2: Relationship between a Hospice Agency and Nursing Facility

20 | Medical Direction in PACE
Estimated Length: 15 minutes
Section 1: Overview of PACE: History, Enrollment Criteria, and Provision of Services
Section 2: Role of Medical Directors in PACE Programs

21 | Medical Direction in Accountable Care Organizations
Estimated Length: 25 minutes
Section 1: Overview of ACOs
Section 2: Medical Director Opportunities

22 | Medical Direction in Assisted Living
Estimated Length: 25 minutes
Section 1: Assisted Living Overview
Section 2: Levels of Care
Section 3: Medical Direction in Assisted Living

Domain 3: Quality Improvement and Oversight

23 | Quality Management
Estimated Length: 40 minutes
Section 1: Quality: What Does it Mean in the Nursing Facility?
Section 2: Traditional Quality Assurance vs. QAPI
Section 3: QAPI Tools: Understanding Variation
Section 4: QAPI Tools: Implementing PDCA Cycles
Section 5: Regulatory Requirements and Benchmarks for QAPI
Section 6: The Medical Director’s Role

24 | Working Within Nursing Facility Committees and Administrative Structures
Estimated Length: 30 minutes
Section 1: Overview: Role and Value of Committees
Section 2: Important Committees within a Nursing Facility
Section 3: Efficient and Effective Use of Committee Meetings

25 | Infection Prevention and Control
Estimated Length: 45 minutes
Section 1: Introduction to Infections in the PALTC setting
Section 2: The Regulatory Requirements for Infection Control
Section 3: Infection Prevention and Control Program Basics
Section 4: Special Aspects of the Infection Prevention and Control Program

26 | Antibiotic Stewardship and Quality Improvement in IPC
Estimated Length: 45 minutes
Section 1: Antibiotic Stewardship
Section 2: Improving Antibiotic Use
Section 3: Care Transitions and IPC
Section 4: The Role of the Medical Director

Domain 4: Systems Thinking

27 | Risk Management
Estimated Length: 40 minutes
Section 1: Introduction to Risk Management
Section 2: Corporate Compliance
Section 3: Facility Emergency Preparedness
Section 4: Employee Risk Management
Section 5: Medical Director Liability

28 | Transitions of Care
Estimated Length: 25 minutes
Section 1: Why Do Nursing Home Transitions of Care Matter?
Section 2: Barriers to Safe Transitions of Care
Section 3: Improving Transitions of Care

29 | Integration of Systems Theory and Problem-Solving
Estimated Length: 40 minutes
Section 1: Systems
Section 2: Systems Theory
Section 3: Applying Systems Theory to Problem-Solving

30 | Medical Director as Leader
Estimated Length: 45 minutes
Section 1: Defining the Components of Leadership
Section 2: Introduction to Leadership Theories and Styles
Section 3: Assessing Your Leadership Style and Strengths
Section 4: Improving Your Leadership Abilities

• 17.5 CME
• 17.5 CMD Management
• 17.5 MOC

Release Date: 01/02/2024   |   Expiration: 12/31/2026

Credit Statements

Accreditation: Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CME Designation: Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association designates this enduring material for a maximum of 17.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CMD Credit Hours: This CME activity has been pre-approved for up to 17.5 management hour(s) toward certification or recertification as a Certified Medical Director (CMD) in post-acute and long-term care medicine. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent on the activity. The CMD Program is administered by PALTmed. For further information, contact PALTmed at 410-992-3115 or at certification@paltmed.org.

ABIM MOC: Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 17.5 Medical Knowledge MOC points and patient safety MOC credit in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

Financial Disclosure Statement

The following faculty and/or planners disclosed a relevant financial relationship: 

• Luz Ramos-Bonner, MD, MBA, CMD - Stock Shareholder: InnovAge; Fulltime/Parttime Employee: Independence Blue Cross
• Meenakshi Patel, MD, CMD – Speakers Bureau: Viatris, Teva and Otsuka/Lundbeck; Grant Research: Janssen, Eli Lilly, GSK, LMT, Acadia, Annovis
• Todd Sobol, MD, CMD – Advisory Board: CareBand Inc. 
• Richard Stefanacci, DO, MBA, CMD - Consultant: Active Protective (TangoBelt)
• Michael Wasserman, MD, CMD – Advisory Board: Merck Manual; Stock Shareholder: Sanolla
• Glen Xiong, MD, CMD - Advisory Board: Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Medical Policy and Therapeutics Committee; Consultant: iTreat, Asynch Health; Honoraria: Wolter Kluwers, American Psychiatric Publishing Inc; Stock Shareholder: SafelyYou

All relevant relationships have been mitigated by the Association. No one else in control of content disclosed any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Faculty Forums offer an opportunity to discuss course material in real-time with course faculty and peers, and how it applies to situations medical directors face daily. Virtual forums are held monthly on Tuesdays from 7:00-8:00 PM ET.  

Discussion topics include regulations, infection prevention and control, leadership, transitions of care, and working with families. Participants can ask questions during the live forum or submit questions beforehand.

Participation in one Faculty Forum is required to complete the Online Core. You will have access to the Faculty Forums for up to six months from your course registration date. Participants are encouraged to attend multiple faculty forums during the access period.

Completing the Online Core and at least one Faculty Forum is a prerequisite for participating in the Core Synthesis weekend. Participants access the live Faculty Forums through the Online Core course.

Course Pricing

Become an PALTmed member and save!

Once registered, participants will have access to the course for up to 6 months after the date of initial course registration.

Online Core Curriculum Refund Policy

Refunds are available under the following conditions and rates:

• A refund of the full registration fee if the request is sent to registration@paltmed.org within 7 calendar days of registration and no progress has been made in the course.
• A refund of 50% of the registration fee less a $100 administrative fee if the request is received by registration@paltmed.org within 30 calendar days of registration and no more than 50% progress has been made in the course.
• No refund is available if 80% of the course has been completed.
• No refunds will be granted after 30 calendar days of registration.
• No refunds will be granted for individuals who claim continuing education credits or do not complete the course modules within the 6-month period given.
• No refunds will be granted to individuals who experience technical difficulties. If you have questions about the system requirements to participate in this online education program or the refund policy, contact the Education Department at education@paltmed.org or 410-992-3122.

This course equips clinicians with the specialized knowledge and skills required to excel in post-acute and long-term care (PALTC) settings, including skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and nursing facilities (NFs). Learners will explore the unique clinical and professional competencies necessary to manage medically complex patients, enhance care quality, and navigate the distinct challenges of PALTC practice. Featuring 16 interactive on-demand modules, along with valuable resources and tools, this course blends practical guidance with real-world application to prepare clinicians to deliver effective, patient-centered care in dynamic and challenging environments.

View the course syllabus. 

Learning Objectives

At the completion of this activity, learners should be able to: 

• Develop the practical skills needed to fulfill the role and responsibilities of a PALTC clinician. 
• Discuss how regulatory, legal, and financial factors inform the appropriate level of care and clinical decision-making.
• Utilize the interdisciplinary care team to develop and apply a person-centered care plan. 
• Discuss strategies to assess palliative and end-of-life care preferences when managing change in condition, medication prescribing, and transitions of care.
• Utilize data to improve safety, quality, and delivery of clinical care.
• Develop communication skills for culturally sensitive, ethical, trauma-informed, and person-centered care.

Course Access

Once registered, learners will have access to the course for 12 months after the date of initial registration. 

Graciously funded by the Foundation for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.

Course Modules

Domain 1: Systems of Care

1 | Introduction to PALTessentials: Navigating Clinical Practice
     Estimated Length: 10 minutes
     Section 1: Navigating PALTC Clinical Practice
     Section 2: PALTmed’s Competencies for PALTC Medicine

2 | Levels of Care Across the Geriatric Care Continuum
     Estimated Length: 45 minutes
     Section 1: Geriatric Care Continuum
     Section 2: Community Setting Services
     Section 3: Inpatient Care Services
     Section 4: Payor Sources for Care Services

3 | Regulatory Environment of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care
     Estimated Length: 50 minutes
     Section 1: Brief History of Laws, Regulations, and Government Oversight
     Section 2: A Bird’s Eye View of Regulations and Interpretive Guidelines
     Section 3: Types of Surveys and the Survey Process
     Section 4: Relevant Clinical Regulatory Groups and Grading Deficiencies
     Section 5: Regulations Specific to Physician Services

4 | The Interdisciplinary Team
     Estimated Length: 50 minutes
     Section 1: PALTC IDT Regulations
     Section 2: Nursing Direct-Care IDT
     Section 3: Medical IDT
     Section 4: Leadership IDT
     Section 5: Other Direct-Care IDT
     Section 6: Ancillary IDT
     Section 7: Advocate IDT
     Section 8: IDT Collaboration

5 | Developing a Person-Centered, Evidence-Based Medical Care Plan
     Estimated Length: 25 minutes
     Section 1: What is Patient-Centered Care and Why Does it Matter?
     Section 2: Interdisciplinary Team Care in PALTC
     Section 3: Understanding Resident and Family Values
     Section 4: Person-Centered, Clinical Decision-Making

6 | Transitions of Care
     Estimated Length: 35 minutes
     Section 1: CMS PALTC Definitions, Regulations, and Legislation
     Section 2: Care Transition Barriers, Facilitators, and Quality Markers
     Section 3: Fractured Care, Vulnerability, Efforts to Close Gaps in Care
     Section 4: Age-Friendly Care – Quality, Efficiency, Sustainability

Domain 2: Medical Knowledge and Care Delivery

7 | Overview of the Care Delivery Process
     Estimated Length: 20 minutes
     Section 1: The Care Delivery Process
     Section 2: Applying the Care Delivery Process

8 | Developing Palliative and End-of-Life Care Plans
     Estimated Length: 30 minutes
     Section 1: Identifying and Incorporating Prognosis into Care Decisions
     Section 2: Developing Effective Palliative and End-of-Life Care Plans

9 | Identifying and Managing Changes of Condition
     Estimated Length: 40 minutes
     Section 1: Defining and Identifying Acute Change of Condition
     Section 2: Managing Acute Change of Condition

10 | Optimizing Medication Prescribing and Pain Management in PALTC
     Estimated Length: 40 minutes
     Section 1: Prescribing Medications
     Section 2: Deprescribing Medications
     Section 3: Pain Assessment
     Section 4: Non-Pharmacologic and Pharmacologic Approaches to Pain

Domain 3: Ethics, Communication, and Professionalism

11 | Ethical Principles in Clinical Decision-Making
     Estimated Length: 25 minutes
     Section 1: Which Ethical Principles are Used to Evaluate Decision-Making Capacity?
     Section 2: What Elements are Used to Evaluate Decision-Making Capacity?
     Section 3: How are Surrogates Involved When Someone Lacks Decision-Making Capacity?
     Section 4: How do Clinicians Apply Theory in Real-Life Cases?

12 | Optimizing Communication with Patients and Families
     Estimated Length: 20 minutes
     Section 1: Patient-Centered Communication
     Section 2: Family Considerations
     Section 3: Opportunities and Tools for Effective Patient/Family Communication

13 | Recognizing and Supporting Culturally Competent Care and Special Communication Needs
     Estimated Length: 25 minutes
     Section 1: Recognizing and Addressing Special Communication Needs
     Section 2: Providing Culturally Competent Care
     Section 3: Creating a Trauma-Informed Care Environment

Domain 4: Pursuit of Excellence

14 | Effective Clinical Practice and Personal Professional Development
     Estimated Length: 30 minutes
     Section 1: Clinician Visits in PALTC
     Section 2: Clinician Availability and Communication
     Section 3: Developing a Professional Development Plan
     Section 4: The Role of the Facility Medical Director

15 | Leveraging Data for Better Clinical Practice
     Estimated Length: 40 minutes
     Section 1: Understanding the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI)
     Section 2: Supplemental Data to Enhance Patient Care
     Section 3: Accessing and Interpreting Data

16 | Changing Clinician and Facility Practices to Improve Outcomes
     Estimated Length: 25 minutes
     Section 1: Improving Personal Performance
     Section 2: Improving Practice Structure
     Section 3: Improving Clinical Practice
     Section 4: Examples of Personal Performance Improvement

• 8.5 CME
• 8.5 CMD Clinical
• 8.5 MOC

Release Date: 01/16/2026   |   Expiration: 1/16/2029

Credit Statements

Accreditation: Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CME Designation: Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association designates this enduring material for a maximum of 8.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CMD Credit Hours: This CME activity has been pre-approved for up to 8.5 clinical hour(s) toward certification or recertification as a Certified Medical Director (CMD) in post-acute and long-term care medicine. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent on the activity. The CMD Program is administered by PALTmed. For further information, contact PALTmed at 410-992-3115 or at certification@paltmed.org.

ABIM MOC: Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 8.5 Medical Knowledge MOC points and patient safety MOC credit in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

Financial Disclosure Statement

No one in control of content disclosed any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Course Pricing

Become an PALTmed member and save!

Interested in bulk order discounts or licensing? Please contact PALTmed's Education Department at education@paltmed.org. 

Course Refund Policy

Refunds are available under the following conditions and rates:

• A refund of the full registration fee if the request is sent to registration@paltmed.org within 7 calendar days of registration and no progress has been made in the course.
• A refund of 50% of the registration fee less a $100 administrative fee if the request is received by registration@paltmed.org within 30 calendar days of registration and no more than 50% progress has been made in the course.
• No refund is available if 80% of the course has been completed.
• No refunds will be granted after 30 calendar days of registration.
• No refunds will be granted for individuals who claim continuing education credits or do not complete the course modules within the 12-month period given.
• No refunds will be granted to individuals who experience technical difficulties. If you have questions about the system requirements to participate in this online education program or the refund policy, contact the Education Department at education@paltmed.org or 410-992-3122.

This self-paced interactive course provides an overview of vaccine development and vaccines currently in development and/or clinical trials that may be available to PALTC residents soon. Designed for medical directors, attending physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician associates, this course includes information about vaccine development, the risks and benefits of new vaccines, and communication strategies for sharing that information with residents and their families.  

Module Sections

1. Overview of the Vaccine Development Process
2. Pneumococcus: Improving a Vaccine
3. Norovirus: Using a New Route of Administration & Platform Technology
4. Clostridioides difficile: Regrouping after a Candidate Vaccine Failure
5. Vaccine Communications Approach
6. Public Health and Vaccine Infrastructure
7. Wrap-up & Resources

Learning Objectives

• Explain the staged process of how a vaccine candidate becomes licensed.
• Describe the incidence, distribution, and possible control of disease caused by three diseases for which there are vaccine candidates in the pipeline: pneumococcus, C. diff, and norovirus. 
• Describe new vaccines and the development process with staff and residents in plain language.

Additional Resources

For related resources, downloadable tools, and templates, visit movingneedles.org.

• 1.0 CME 
• 1.0 CMD Management 
• 1.0 MOC 

Release Date: 12/15/2025   |   Expiration: 12/15/2026 

Credit Statements 

Accreditation: Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. 

CME Designation: Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

CMD Credit Hours: This CME activity has been pre-approved for up to 1.0 management hour(s) toward certification or recertification as a Certified Medical Director (CMD) in post-acute and long-term care medicine. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent on the activity. The CMD Program is administered by PALTmed. For further information, contact PALTmed at 410-992-3115 or at certification@paltmed.org. 

ABIM MOC: Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 1.0 Medical Knowledge MOC points and patient safety MOC credit in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit. 

Financial Disclosure Statement 

The following individuals disclosed a relevant financial relationship:  

• Elizabeth Sobczyk – Advisory Board: Moderna; GSK 
• Heather Roney – Stock Shareholder: CVS Health Corp 

All relevant relationships have been mitigated by the Association. No one else in control of content disclosed any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.