On June 30, CMS released proposed changes to the 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule. The proposed rule changes could have a substantial impact on all accrediting organizations (AOs), DMEPOS suppliers and other stakeholders. Comments on the Proposed Rule by CMS were accepted until August 29. ABC coordinated with other AOs to encourage all impacted organizations and individuals to submit thorough comments.

ABC’s response to the CMS Proposed Rule change focused on three critical issues:

1. The Elimination of a 90-day accreditation for secondary locations.
2. The introduction of an annual survey requirement for all DMEPOS businesses.
3. The unannounced survey policy for all facilities.

Additionally, ABC addressed concerns and comments on additional topics such as data submission timelines, differentiating between DME suppliers and O&P providers, empowering AOs' authority when confronted with fraudulent activity/documentation and the requirement of a system upgrade for all AOs.

ABC submitted their comments to the Federal Register on August 12^th.  Click to view a recommendation overview and ABC’s full comments.