Book excerpt: This text contains the core body of knowledge for case management practice as delineated by the Case Management Society of America (CMSA), the largest professional organization of case managers. The core curriculum provides a "synthesis of case management evolution," and presents essential elements, concepts, and vision for current and future case management practice. This edition is significantly expanded to reflect the dynamic changes taking place in case management. Each chapter is organized in a consistent format that includes learning objectives; introduction; important terms and concepts; key definitions; and references.