CMS finalizes rule to strengthen oversight of Medicare accrediting organizations

CMS has issued a final rule, effective 60 days after publication, to bolster oversight of Medicare Accrediting Organizations (AOs) and prevent conflicts of interest. The rule mandates stricter AO transparency, requires CMS approval for AO ownership changes, and prohibits AOs from providing consulting services to organizations they accredit. This aims to tighten survey and enforcement consistency for hospitals and other Medicare-participating facilities. While the direct impact is on facilities' accreditation processes, it signals CMS's continued focus on program integrity and may lead to more rigorous survey activity.