On October 29, 2013, CMS published a final rule establishing conditions of participation (CoPs) that community mental health centers (CMHCs) must meet  to participate in the Medicare program. The CoPs, which are intended to ensure the quality and safety of CMHC care for all CMHC clients, address: (1) personnel qualifications; (2) client rights; (3) client admission, initial evaluation, comprehensive assessment, and discharge or transfer; (4) treatment team, active treatment plan, and coordination of services; (5) quality assessment and performance improvement; and (6) organization, governance, administration of services, and partial hospitalization services. The rule’s quality assessment and performance improvement program requirements are intended to build on the provider’s own quality management system. CMS will survey providers, through state survey and certification agencies, to ensure that CMHCs are furnishing care that meets the new standards. The rule is effective on October 29, 2014.