February 1, 2026
PALTmed in 2026: Success in a Changing Environment
By Sabine von Preyss-Friedman, MD, FACP, CMD
2026 is already here, and our PALTmed board and leadership team are eagerly forging ahead with the implementation of our 2026-2028 Strategic Plan. In today’s dynamic and shifting environment, looking ahead has never been more important. After visiting with many of you around the country and hearing your thoughts on how PALTmed can better serve you, this plan was developed with your recommendations in mind. We’re here to support the excellent work you do every day and strive to ensure you have the resources and guidance to succeed now and in the future.
Advocacy in Action: Standing Up for PALTC Physicians and APPs
We continue to advocate for changes in the planned payment reductions resulting from a decrease in the Practice Expense Relative Value Unit (RVU) component for skilled nursing facility (SNF) visits, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. Our policy staff remains actively engaged with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to address the impact of these changes on SNF billing reimbursement. We will continue to keep you informed as this work progresses and will share updates should there be any developments.
PALTmed’s Commitment Beyond the Nursing Home
PALTmed works to propel excellence in our specialty by being where our patients need us—across the continuum of care settings. As part of that effort, on January 28, we hosted our all-new Care Continuum 26 Virtual Symposium, packed with content that addressed the shifting landscape of Assisted Living (AL) Communities, and identified what professionals like you can do to be prepared to serve this dynamic and growing population. Interesting discussions included evolving practice styles in AL settings and the future of value-based care in this setting.
Building Expertise Through CMD Certification
As mentioned earlier, one of PALTmed’s recent accomplishments is our advocacy and support for the role of Certified Medical Director (CMD). We see growing evidence that the presence of a Certified Medical Director is a key guarantor of safe and high-quality care for our patients, and PALTmed’s certification program continues to evolve to help our members attain this important credential.
Florida has recently joined California in adopting CMD certification for all medical directors. In response to growing demand, PALTmed has updated its internal policy to expand access to CMD certification. Physicians may now complete CMD certification after one year in the medical director role. This allows more medical directors to pursue certification earlier in their leadership journey, extending the benefits of CMD certification across more PALTC facilities nationwide.
See You Soon at PALTC26 in Anaheim!
While we continue to support you in preparing for the future, we recognize that the day-to-day guidance is also evolving. That’s why we hope you’ll join us at our key event of the year, PALTC26, PALTmed’s annual meeting, taking place March 26-28 in Anaheim, CA. The conference organizers have put together a fantastic program for PALTC26, packed with timely clinical updates on the core medical conditions you manage every day, as well as insights on regulatory changes and evolving practice environments, delivering the up-to-date, practical information you need to meet the challenges of daily practice in 2026 and beyond. This year’s meeting will include additional management and clinical hours for those pursuing their CMD certification. PALTC26 is a great place for you to reconnect and network with colleagues from across the nation for learning and growth—while also providing the opportunity for a little family fun in the California sunshine after the meeting concludes. I’m looking forward to seeing you all again and meeting new members as well!
Thank You!
Lastly, I would like to extend my thanks to the PALTmed staff, board, and volunteers for their dedication and commitment to our organization, as well as a special thanks to the PALTmed Foundation for their work in launching this new edition of Caring for the Ages.
2026 is going to be an exciting year for our PALTmed community. I am grateful for your membership and support, and proud of the vital work you do every day to provide excellent care for our patients, their families, and caregivers.
Sabine von Preyss-Friedman is the president of PALTmed.