The purpose of NACM, a not-for-profit organization, is to provide case managers, service coordinators, supervisors, and program administrators with an opportunity for professional growth and for the promotion of case management. NACM accomplishes these goals through educational meetings and conferences, news and communications, and policy development that continues the definition and refinement of the case management process. NACM is particularly relevant to direct service case managers and service coordinators working with adults and children in the mental health, development disabilities, and substance abuse fields , as well as those working with people with physical disabilities, older adults, and other populations.
NACM r ecognizes the vital role of the direct service Case Manager. Case management is one of the fastest growing and essential interventions utilized in mental health, development disabilities, substance abuse and other human service fields. Many human service systems rely on case management as the critical component that assures that vital human service needs are met and consumer desired outcomes are achieved. NACM focuses on enhanced skill development for the case management practitioner while providing special attention to the improvement of administrative systems and research that informs the practice of case management .
NACM has played an important role as an advocate for continued community support services and use of consumer-centered case management as a primary tool in serving people with disabilities. This has been and continues to be particularly important during times of uncertainty when the emphasis on heath care reform and changes in reimbursement can dramatically affect resource availability and access for persons needing services.
Educational Meetings and Conferences
NACM has sponsored 16 national conferences across the country. These conferences have typically included pre-conference, all day skill-building i nstitutes, 80 or more concurrent workshops presented by experts in the field including case management practitioners, and plenary sessions chaired by nationally-recognized keynote speakers. Several have included a Research Symposium conducted by a panel of renown ed case management researchers. Presentations are available across many fields , including adult and child/family mental /behavioral health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse and dual diagnosis, as well as homeless, forensic and HIV/AIDS services. In addition, there are many sessions of general interest to all direct service case managers , service coordinators, supervisors, and administrators, including such areas as training and education, innovative services, practice methods, public policy, research, supervision, self-care and professional growth.
NACM has also begun offering Regional Supervisor Seminars to meet the special and complex training needs of supervisors of case managers and service coordinators. These two-day seminars u tilize adult learning techniques to assure the highest degree of participant involvement and the opportunity to share ideas, successful practices and the collective experience of those present.
Professional Case Management Communications
Members receive reports, bulletins and information on events effecting case management practice.
Networking
Members of NACM are part of a network of practicing case managers who advocate for community based case management systems, share ideas and work to minimize bureaucratic barriers, promote high ethical standards, support career growth and promote the vitality and the professional image of case management . The Association encourages networking by referring members who are interested in management, research, system development and skill enhancement to other NACM members who have been successful in those areas. The Association encourages members with similar interests to meet in a semi-structured environment at NACM conferences and meetings and to keep NACM apprised of the critical issues they are facing in their practice of case management/service coordination.
XCEL Award
The " XCEL" award was created to recognize outstanding accomplishments by case managers and is presented at each National Conference to the Case Manager, Consumer Case Manager , Case Management Supervisor, and Case Management A gency/ P rogram of the year, selected from nominations made by NACM members. Winners are honored at the special awards luncheon at the conference and are the invited "VIP" guests of NACM during the national conference.
What You Receive As An Association Member!
An invitation to attend the national conference, discounted registration fees and preferred consideration as a speaker and presenter at all NACM conferences and meetings.
An opportunity to receive an XCEL award for extraordinary achievement as a consumer case manager, case manager, or case manager supervisor. Only NACM members in good standing can nominate and select recipients of an XCEL award.
A membership certificate suitable for framing announcing that you subscribe to the standards of the NACM.
Your Input is Vital!
Please read through the various sections and take advantage of the opportunities for getting involved in your professional membership association. We welcome your input at: nacm@yournacm.com .
