On April 5, CMS published a proposed rule that would revise the survey, certification, and enforcement procedures related to CMS oversight of national accreditation organizations (AOs). These revisions would implement certain provisions of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 that removed legal distinctions between the Joint Commission hospital accreditation program and all other accreditation programs approved by CMS. It also would strengthen CMS oversight of AOs that apply for, and are granted, recognition and approval of an accreditation program, including expanding enforcement tools to address serious and pervasive areas of AO non-compliance with the Medicare requirements. As part of this rule, CMS also proposes expanding the scope of the accrediting organizations’ oversight regulations to include AOs with CMS-approved accreditation programs for advanced diagnostic imaging services. Comments on the rule will be accepted until June 4, 2013. 

5/24 update:  CMS has extended the comment period until July 5, 2013.