Hospice Accreditation Program Approved Through 2031
Published Date: 4/3/2026
Notice
Summary
The Accreditation Commission for Health Care Inc. (ACHC) just got the green light to keep accrediting hospice programs that want to work with Medicare and Medicaid. This approval lasts from November 27, 2025, to November 27, 2031, letting hospices skip some state inspections if they meet ACHC’s standards. This keeps things smooth and helps hospices focus on caring for patients without extra paperwork or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
ACHC Approved to Accredit Hospices
CMS approved the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) to continue accrediting hospice programs that want to participate in Medicare or Medicaid from November 27, 2025 through November 27, 2031. Hospices accredited by ACHC may be treated as meeting Medicare conditions for participation.
Accreditation Can Replace State Surveys
When a hospice is accredited by an approved national accrediting organization like ACHC, CMS may 'deem' the hospice to meet Medicare conditions, and that accreditation can substitute for both initial and ongoing state survey reviews under 42 CFR part 488. This means accredited hospices may avoid separate state certification surveys.
ACHC Standards Updated to Match Medicare CoPs
ACHC revised its hospice accreditation standards to address specific Medicare conditions of participation and survey requirements, including changes tied to 42 CFR sections such as 418.52, 418.54, 418.58, 418.100, 418.104, 418.112, 418.114, and 418.116. CMS reviewed these revisions and found they align ACHC's standards with Medicare requirements.
Survey Process and Safety-Code Updates
ACHC revised its survey processes to include the 2012 Life Safety Code and Health Care Facilities Code and the 2013 Fire Safety Evaluation System (FSES), and added LSC preceptor evaluations and additional surveyor training. CMS found these survey process changes make ACHC's processes comparable to state survey agency processes.
No New Paperwork Requirements
CMS stated this notice does not impose any new reporting, recordkeeping, or third-party disclosure requirements, so there are no new information collection obligations under the Paperwork Reduction Act. CMS therefore said no OMB review is needed for information collection.
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