Release that “Writing Talent” in you … Share your Medical Audit Knowledge … Be a CMAS® Item Writer… Earn CMAS® CEU

Yes, we know you have it in you. You love to teach and share that knowledge, but standing in front of an audience kills you. You have all these ideas to impart, but not sure how to do that. You also love to write, or would love to develop that skill further…

If you are a CMAS®, here is an opportunity where you can learn and earn CMAS® units. Become a CMAS® Item Writer. Educators, trainers, coaches, mentors and go-to subject matter experts in any area of medical audit practice are highly sought as item writers. Not sure how to express and apply learned knowledge and theories of medical audit in a test item frame? Not to worry, if this is your interest, we will provide you with an informational packet on how to get started. You will also interact with a highly committed team of CMAS® supporting the CMAS® Certification program. There are specific concepts, guidelines and item writing principles to follow in writing current, accurate, psychometrically sound and reliable items to evaluate the minimally competent medical auditor.

CMAS® Item Writer Benefits

  • Assure the public and the medical audit community that the quality and content of items administered to CMAS® candidates are current, sound, and reflect the role of the minimally competent medical auditor* (see below).
  • Be recognized in the medical audit profession for your expertise in this field. Include this experience in your professional resume.
  • Earn continuing education points towards your CMAS® recertification.
  • Enjoy excellent networking opportunities with fellow CMAS® item writers.
  • Learn how to construct/develop high quality, reliable and valid test items -- - a value-added skill to one’s professional career and talent. You may discover that this is your niche.
  • Share and receive up-to-date, relevant, cutting edge information and knowledge regarding the business of health care and medical audit in particular.
  • Value this significant contribution to AAMAS and CMAS® colleagues through your volunteer efforts.

Things to consider before you sign up…

Familiarity with the CMAS® Body of Knowledge (BOK) is a critical component of this work. Content expertise in a particular subject matter in medical audit is a plus. You can access the CMAS® BOK by opening this webpage. Proficiency in using Microsoft office suite – Word and Excel will be very handy as you craft the test items and secure your work using tools to protect the test items. Confidentiality and protecting test items are applied at all times. The ability to meet deadlines is essential in the completion of test items as these undergo rigorous, multi-phased levels of review and processes prior to acceptance to the CMAS® Item Bank.

Additional reading materials …

Newsletter Article Spring 2009 - Enhancing your Levels of Learning: Click here. When this article was written, the Modified Angoff cut-scoring method had not been implemented yet. In 2010, this scoring methodology was successfully adopted.

Newsletter Article Winter 2008 - Reaching New Heights - the CMAS® Examination: Click here.

View this PowerPoint presentation on CMAS® Item Writing presented at the 10th National Conference.

If item writing is of interest to you, please contact Marilyn Balcita, RN, CMAS®, AAMAS Advisor/CMAS® Certification Program Liaison at advisor@aamas.org.

*A minimally competent medical auditor (MCMA) meets the basic qualifying requirements through education and experience and is ready to take the CMAS® exam; this person has enough requisite knowledge and skill to function as a medical auditor and is easily trainable to the next level. The importance of defining the MCMA who possesses the basic knowledge, skill and judgment of medical audit and is able to function competently/safely in a given medical audit environment or setting is essential in the framework and development of the CMAS® cut score or passing score process.

 

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