On December 10, 2008, CMS provided further guidance on accreditation requirements for suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) under the Medicare for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA). MIPPA exempts certain eligible professionals from the general September 30, 2009 accreditation deadline if unless CMS determines that the quality standards are specifically designed to apply to such professionals and persons. The eligible professionals to whom this exemption applies include physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, qualified speech-language pathologists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. Also as authorized by MIPPA, CMS has specified that certain “other persons” – specifically orthotists, prosthetists, opticians, and audiologists – are exempt from the general accreditation requirements. CMS will issue rules in 2009 on how the quality standards apply to these eligible professionals and other persons. CMS also has clarified that individuals not included in this exemption list, such as pedorthotists, mastectomy fitters, orthopaedic fitters/ technicians or athletic trainers applying for Medicare enrollment in order to bill for Medicare Part B services are not exempt from meeting the September 30, 2009 deadline for DMEPOS accreditation.