The initial application opens on February 12, 2024. To learn more, click here! 

About HMDCB

The Hospice Medical Director Certification Board (HMDCB) serves as an important workforce initiative for the hospice field by providing a standardized comprehensive examination to assess the knowledge and skills of hospice physicians/medical directors. HMDCB also provides a community where hospice physicians can connect and collaborate. There are currently over 1,200 certified physicians throughout the country. This includes both full-time and part-time hospice physicians, from a variety of different organizational and geographic settings, and with varied years of experience and responsibilities.

Legislation Supporting HMDCB

HMDCB has been gaining traction in the national dialogue as being an important marker of quality. Review the below documents to learn more.

New California Bill - a recently passed bill to update the state’s Health & Safety Code included a reporting requirement for hospices to share whether their physicians are certified by HMDCB or an ABMS Board.

AAHPM's Letter - in a recent letter to Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) about hospice program integrity, AAHPM recommends reporting on physicians who are HPM or HMDCB-certified and incentivizing hospice physicians to earn the HMDC credential.

Visit HMDCB’s Website

Certification for Hospice Medical Directors & Physicians

HMDCB certification is the only certification specifically for hospice physicians/medical directors. The certification provides the tools to help physicians expand their hospice knowledge and leadership skills, improve patient care, and be more effective partners with hospice administrators.   

HMDCB certification is complementary to ABMS and AOA hospice & palliative board certification, but specific to the practice of hospice medicine, as the HMDCB examination assesses additional expertise in the unique competencies to perform the role of a hospice physician/medical director, such as regulatory, administrative, legal, ethical, and hospice specific clinical skills. This certification is beneficial and available for physicians who are HPM board certified and those who are not. To learn more about the difference between these certifications, review this document or watch this brief video.

To learn more about the initial certification program, review the below resources:

Eligibility Requirements

Initial Candidate Handbook

Content Blueprint

Employer Discounts

Value of Certification

Certificant Videos

How to Apply

Hear about the value of HMDCB-certification from a California based physician.

HMDCB Community

The HMDCB Community helps build camaraderie, community, and connection around the HMDC credential. We do this through offering bi-monthly Coffee Chats and webinars, discounts on CME opportunities provided by our partners, and an online discussion board where certificants can ask their hospice related questions and receive peer support. Lear more about the HMDCB Community by clicking the below button!

HMDCB Community

Continuing Certification Program

HMDCB is excited to launch our new Continuing Certification Program (CCP) this year. This new program will include an annual longitudinal assessment and provide certificants with continuous learning opportunities. To learn more about the new program, click the below button!

Continuing Certification

Value of HMDCB

I would definitely encourage other hospice physicians to become HMDCB- certified. Both my hospice organization and myself are better because of my certification. The extra knowledge and confidence you gain from obtaining the HMDC credential is beneficial to patients and their families as we perform this important service for our communities. - Joseph Hines, MD FAAFP HMDC

 As our healthcare becomes increasingly more complex, it is vital to assure our community that we have competent physicians in hospice care. Certified HMDCB physicians validate their mastery of knowledge, skills and abilities through certification. They are also mentors and supporters to our future hospice physicians, and hospice organizations have a responsibility to prepare our physicians for the ever changing and challenging times ahead.   - Karen Tucek, BSN RN CHPN, Executive Director at Hendrick Hospice Care

The HMDCB certification has solidified my knowledge base necessary to perform as a competent hospice medical director. Furthermore, it has given my organization a distinction of excellence knowing that all our physicians are HMDCB-certified. It has truly enhanced the support I give to my colleagues and care we provide for our patients. -Mark Corbett, MD MA HMDC FAAHPM

Deadlines and Fees

2024 Certification Cycle for Initial Certification

Early Bird Application Window (Price: $1,250):
February 12  - April 30, 2024

Regular Application Window (Price: $1,350):
May 1 – July 1, 2024

Final Application Window (Price: $1,450):
July 2 – July 31, 2024

Exam Window: February 20 – September 24, 2024

Apply Today

Discounts are available for employers who certify multiple physicians. To learn more, visit this page of our website.