CMS issued QSO-26-10- Publication of the Strengthening Oversight of Accrediting Organizations (AOs) (CMS-3367-FC) Final Rule with Comment Period which describes a new Accrediting Organization (AO) oversight rule published on June 16, 2026, with regulations effective one year after publication. CMS is finalizing provisions to strengthen oversight of Accreditation Organizations (AOs) and promote greater consistency between AO and state survey agency processes. These changes respond to identified inconsistencies in AO survey standards and practices, including survey scheduling flexibility, advance notice to providers, continued accreditation following Medicare termination, and the provision of consulting services such as mock surveys. Specifically:
- Strengthening Oversight and Accountability of AOs - Requiring direct observation validation surveys, public correction plans for poor AO performance, and revised performance metrics.
- Aligning AO Standards & Survey Practices with those of CMS - Requiring AOs to use CMS standards, clarifying expectations by defining “unannounced surveys”, aligning AO surveys more closely with State Agency surveys, and use CMS online surveyor training.
- Addressing Conflicts of Interest and Consulting Relationships - Policies to reduce conflicts of interest when AOs provide consulting services to the same providers or suppliers they accredit.
- Strengthening Program Integrity and Provider Participation Rules - Limit how terminated deemed providers and suppliers can re-enter the programs and requiring a period of State Agency oversight. AOs will be required to withdraw accreditation from providers or suppliers terminated from Medicare.
AOs are expected to communicate with facilities with deemed status regarding these requirements, including the requirement that AOs must adopt the same language in the Medicare conditions for their respective AO program standards.
Click here for a list of CMS Approved Accrediting Organizations.