Certification for Hospice Medical Directors & Physicians
Certification for hospice medical directors (HMDs) and physicians has the potential to improve the quality and consistency of the practice and the care provided by local hospices. Hospice medicine is continuously evolving, especially the complex hospice regulations. By earning the HMDC credential, physicians have the unique opportunity to expand their knowledge and skill set in hospice, both clinically and administratively.
Completing a fellowship in hospice and palliative medicine does not necessarily prepare a physician for the role of hospice physician or hospice medical director. Obtaining knowledge of the regulatory, administrative, and leadership responsibilities that are a mandated part of this role is key. Hospice Medical Director Certification is one way to help address the growing workforce and quality issues for this field, as well as provide a place for hospice physicians to connect and learn through the HMDCB community.
About the Hospice Medical Director Certification Board (HMDCB)
Similar to other high-quality physician certification programs, the Hospice Medical Director Certification Board (HMDCB) is incorporated as an independent not-for-profit organization that administers and oversees the certification program for eligible candidates.
This certification is separate and distinct from the subspecialty certification of hospice and palliative medicine by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists. The Hospice Medical Director Certification Board was developed by experts within the field, including hospice physicians, administrators, and outside organizations.
How to Prepare for the HMDCB Exam
AAHPM provides many products to help candidates prepare for the HMDCB exam.
- HMD PREP 2nd Edition (Reviewed 2022) - 75-item multiple-choice practice test that assesses your knowledge in hospice practice. Content is based on the HMDC exam blueprint.
- Hospice Medical Director Manual defines best practices, offers tools and sample documents, and provides answers about physician roles in hospice, employment in or contracting with a hospice, and the medical director's responsibilities on the hospice team and within the organization.
Additionally, AAHPM has created arecording library of clinical and regulatory contentthat will help expand your knowledge base.
Maintaining Certification
HMDCB requires all certificants to participate in a Continuing Certification Program (CCP) to maintain the credential.
Note: AAHPM has no direct role or input in the development of the HMDCB Exam. The Academy relies on publicly published material about the exam to develop its products.