Nationwide, nursing facility care has transitioned to include not only long-term care of frail residents but also complicated and resource-intensive post-hospital care. The population of people receiving care in nursing facilities is more medically complex as patients are discharged “sicker and quicker” from the hospital to skilled nursing facilities as the hospitals are focusing on decreasing readmission rates. However, the majority of patients are still long-term care patients who have increased medical complexity and acuity. Caring for frail and sick patients in long-term care facilities has resulted in a critical need for highly trained and committed health care practitioners willing to provide care on-site to nursing facility residents. 

Participants who complete FMDA’s program will be empowered on numerous levels to provide better patient-centered care to skilled nursing facility residents. The Certificate of Excellence in PALTC affirms a knowledge and experience base for practitioners. The certificate demonstrates to employers and the public that the practitioner is committed to career development and dedicated to quality PALTC medicine as well as the credibility and profile of the practitioners in these settings. The professional standards of the certificate process promote competency and consistency of practitioners working in PALTC settings. 

The Certificate of Excellence in PALTC enhances professional reputation and supports continued professional development, a high level of commitment to the field of practice, a certain level of knowledge and skill, and increases and/or validates skills and knowledge.