Navigating DMEPOS Accreditation Changes with ABC

CMS Final Rule: What YOU Need to Know

On November 28, 2025, CMS issued a final rule announcing policy changes under the Home Health Prospective Payment System (PPS).

Effective January 1, 2026, CMS will require deemed accrediting organizations to survey all DMEPOS suppliers on an annual basis. Any supplier/facility surveyed after this date will be eligible only for a one-year accreditation period. This change is a shift from the current three-year accreditation cycle and is expected to impact operational procedures as well as compliance planning for accredited facilities.

What This Means for ABC-Accredited Facilities

• Facilities with an accreditation expiring in 2026 will receive a renewal that extends only until 2027. After that, facilities will be required to submit a new accreditation application on an annual basis.
• Facilities with an accreditation expiring in 2027 or 2028 will transition to an annual survey schedule at their next reaccreditation date.
• Facilities that undergo a location change, ownership change, or add a new service requiring a survey will also transition to a one-year accreditation cycle.

As ABC adapts to these changes and begins implementing the updated Facility Accreditation rules, we will continue to share timely updates leading up to the 2027 renewal cycle.

*Please note that accreditation standards and fees will remain unchanged for the 2026 renewal cycle.

What’s Next?

ABC is preparing detailed guidance and instructions to help facilities navigate these accreditation changes. Additional updates will be shared as our review continues. In the meantime, facilities are encouraged to review the full CMS final rule and the CMS press release or fact sheet.

If you have questions, please contact us at accreditation@abcop.org.