CMSA Releases Inaugural Case Study Featuring UCI Health

At the 2025 CMSA Annual Conference & Expo, CMSA proudly launched its inaugural case study, UCI Health Discharge Standardization: A Multidisciplinary Approach, developed in partnership with #CMSA2024 Poster Presenter Sandra Stein, MSN, RN, CCM, IQCI. This in-depth case study exemplifies CMSA’s commitment to showcasing real-world innovations in case management that drive better outcomes across complex care environments. 

UCI Health, the region’s only Level I trauma center and a cornerstone of tertiary and quaternary care in Southern California, faced significant operational challenges: high occupancy, record ED visits, and growing patient complexity. With overcrowding, delayed discharges, and communication breakdowns straining hospital resources, the organization recognized the need for a systemic solution. 

The answer? A multidisciplinary, case manager-led approach to standardizing the discharge process. Anchored by the use of Expected Discharge Dates (EDD) and a color-coded visualization tool within the Epic system, this initiative fostered real-time, team-based collaboration across nursing, pharmacy, therapy, social work, case management, and more. Daily discharge rounds, a discharge hospitality lounge, and partnerships with insurers and community resources further accelerated patient throughput and supported high-quality transitions of care. 

Key results from the initiative include: 

• A 23% increase in monthly discharges over 18 months 
• Improved EDD update rates and 97% accuracy at discharge 
• A 7% rise in patient satisfaction scores for discharge planning 
• Reduced length of stay and fewer long-stay outlier patients 

Most notably, case managers served as central drivers of this success—coordinating communication, anticipating discharge needs early, and uniting disciplines around a shared mission: safe, timely, patient-centered discharges. 

As CMSA continues to elevate the profession, this case study serves as both a learning tool and a source of inspiration, demonstrating how structured processes and empowered case management can deliver measurable change. 

Read the full case study now to explore the strategies, lessons learned, and replicable practices that make this initiative a model for hospitals nationwide: https://cmsa.org/cmsa-case-study-discharge-standardization/

Supercharge Your Case Management Career at the CMSA CM Boot Camp!

Ready to accelerate your growth in case management? Whether you're just starting out, transitioning to a new specialty, or aiming rapidly to advance your career, the CMSA Case Management Boot Camp is your intensive, in-person solution for gaining real-world expertise.

This dynamic, three-part training isn't just about theory—it's designed to give you a significant professional edge by filling critical knowledge gaps and building unshakable confidence where it truly counts:

• Elevate Your Professional Skills: Engage in interactive exercises that will sharpen your communication, enhance client engagement, and solidify your ethics-based practice.
• Navigate the Complex Landscape: Demystify the CARES Act, unravel intricate reimbursement systems, and gain a profound understanding of how regulations—from workers' comp to the VA—directly impact your daily work.
• Master the Entire Process: Immerse yourself in advanced case management strategies, seamless collaboration techniques, effective care transitions, and the very latest industry trends, all brought to life through compelling, hands-on case studies.

When: September 24-26, 2025

Where: Just outside Nashville, TN

What's Included:

• 1 hour of self-study activities
• 2.5-day intensive in-person workshop
• 19.5 CE Credits for CCM, RN, SW

Don't miss this opportunity to fast-track your success! Space is limited. Deadline to register: Sept 15, 2025.

Ready to elevate your leadership in case management? Join us for CMSA's Virtual Leadership Conference on Saturday, October 11, 2025!

Prepare for a day of expert-led presentations, real-world insights, and practical strategies directly from top voices in the field. This live Zoom event is your opportunity to gain actionable knowledge to inspire and lead.

WHEN: Saturday, October 11th, 2025, starting at 10:00 a.m. ET
WHERE: Face-to-face via Zoom
WHO: Mid-to-senior-level case management professionals and executives who are ready to elevate their leadership impact, influence strategic decisions, and stay ahead of industry evolution

Continuing Education:
Pending 6 hours of CEs in RN, SW, CCM, CDMS, and CPHQ

Pricing:
Members: $225
Non-Members: $325

As a special anniversary offer, CMSA Members receive $35 off when they register by Friday, Sept 5.

Don't miss out!

Military/VA/DoD (MVD) Day – Case Management: Collaboration Creates Innovation

CMSA is bringing this year’s MVD Day to you virtually to ensure greater accessibility for Military, VA, DoD, and DHA case managers affected by ongoing travel and leave restrictions. Join us on Saturday, November 1, 2025, for an engaging day of education, networking, and idea-sharing, all centered around this year’s theme: Case Management: Collaboration Creates Innovation.

Together, we’ll explore how collaboration drives new solutions and strengthens outcomes for those we serve.

Registration details will be available soon—watch for updates!

Honoring Excellence: Celebrating CMSA's 2025 Award Recipients and Fellows 

Each year, CMSA proudly recognizes individuals who exemplify leadership, service, and excellence in case management. In 2025, we honor three outstanding award recipients and welcome five new inductees into the prestigious Fellow in Case Management (FCM) program. 

Lifetime Achievement Award: Patricia Noonan, MBA, RN, CCM, CDP, FCM 
The Lifetime Achievement Award honors a professional whose career has made a lasting impact on case management. This year’s recipient, Patricia Noonan, has spent decades advancing the profession with vision, compassion, and integrity. A true leader and mentor, Pat’s contributions have shaped countless careers and strengthened our community. We are proud to recognize her extraordinary legacy. 
 
Award of Service Excellence: Hussein Tahan, PhD, RN, FAAN, FCM 
This award celebrates a grassroots professional whose work has profoundly impacted both clients and the broader community. Dr. Hussein Tahan is a trailblazer whose career reflects a deep commitment to innovation, collaboration, and person-centered care. His influence is felt across the field, and we are honored to celebrate his remarkable contributions. 
 
Case Manager of the Year: Ellen Fink-Samnick, DBH, MSW, LCSW, ACSW, CCM, CCTP, CRP, FCM 
This award recognizes an exceptional leader whose impact continues to elevate the field. Dr. Ellen Fink-Samnick has dedicated over 30 years to advancing the art and science of case management. Her unwavering commitment, integrity, and mentorship have inspired generations of professionals and elevated our shared practice. 
 
Congratulations to the FCM Class of 2025 
CMSA is also proud to welcome five professionals into the Fellow in Case Management (FCM) Class of 2025. This designation honors those who have made sustained, meaningful contributions to the field and exemplify the highest standards of advocacy and service. To read the official press release, go to cmsa.org/media-room/

Raine Arndt-Couch, DSW, JD, LCSW, CCM, FCM 
Elaine Bruner, MSN, RN, CMGT-BC, FCM 
Vivian Greenway, PhD, MSA, BSN, RN, PAHM, CCM, FCM 
Kathleen Parry, BSN, RN, CCM, FCM 
Susan Plough, MSN, RN, PHCNS-BC, CCM, FCM 

Recent Blogs You May Have Missed!

Want to hear from the diverse voices shaping case management today? Our blog features insights from a wide array of contributors—from our board directors and industry partners to experienced working case managers and recent retirees.

You'll find every angle of the case management world covered in the CMSA Blog, with new posts every Monday and Thursday, including:

Fueling the Fire Without Getting Burned: Sustainable Self-Improvement That Lasts 

The Imperfect Environmentalist 

AI and Case Management: Friend or Foe? (Spoiler Alert: We’re Still in Charge) 

Find more blogs at https://cmsa.org/publications/blog/ 

Recent Articles from CMSA Today

Stay informed with the most recent insights and updates from CMSA Today, your go-to source for case management trends, best practices and thought leadership. Read timely articles from experts across the field, spotlighting innovations in client care, professional development and industry advocacy. Don’t miss these essential reads that support your journey as a case management professional.

Standards of Practice in Action

Navigating the Transplant Journey: Perspectives From Case Managers in Unique Roles

The Case Management Society of America (CMSA): 35 Years of Leadership, Innovation, and Advocacy in Case Management

Advancing Professional Development in Case Management: CMSA Leads the Way This Fall

Read more articles at CMSAToday.com 

Celebrating Chapter Excellence and Innovation at #CMSA2025

At CMSA’s 2025 Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas, we had the honor of recognizing the exceptional efforts of our local chapters through the Chapter Excellence and Innovation Awards. These prestigious awards highlight the commitment, creativity, and leadership of chapters that exemplify CMSA’s mission—to advance the practice of case management and support the professionals who serve in this vital role. 

This year’s award recipients have demonstrated outstanding achievements in areas such as education, advocacy, membership, and chapter growth. Please join us in congratulating the following chapters for their inspiring work: 

• Publishing and Promotion: CMSA Chicago 
• Chapter Conference: CMSA Houston/Gulf Coast 
• Chapter Educational Programming: CMSA Long Island 
• Chapter Revitalization: The Phoenix: CMSA Chattanooga 
• Best Use of Technology: CMSA Houston/Gulf Coast 
• Membership Development: CMSA Houston/Gulf Coast 
• Public Policy and Advocacy: Case Management Society of New England 

Each of these chapters has made a remarkable impact in their communities and within the CMSA network. We are grateful for their dedication and innovation, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to lead and inspire in the year ahead. 

Thank you to all of our chapters for the vital work you do to strengthen and elevate the profession of case management.