The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule with comment period to strengthen federal oversight of Accrediting Organizations (AOs), which are independent organizations approved by CMS to evaluate whether health care providers and suppliers meet Medicare health and safety requirements.
The rule addresses potential conflicts of interest, establishes more consistent accreditation standards and survey processes, and enhances CMS monitoring of AOs. It also finalizes policies restricting certain consulting services provided by AOs, requiring additional surveyor training, strengthening performance and validation requirements, and establishing new safeguards for providers that have been terminated from Medicare and seek to reenter the program.
The rule is effective June 16, 2027, and CMS will accept comments on the information collection and regulatory impact provisions through August 17, 2026.
Comment by August 17, 2026.