Final Rule: Medicare Program; Strengthening Oversight Of Accrediting Organizations (AOs) & Preventing AO Conflicts Of Interest & Related Provisions

On June 16, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published this final rule with comment period regarding the Medicare program. This final rule sets forth provisions to strengthen the oversight of Medicare national accrediting organizations by addressing conflicts of interest, establishing consistent standards, processes, and definitions, and updating the validation and performance standards systems. Additionally, this final rule revises the psychiatric hospital survey process, adds a limitation on terminated deemed providers and suppliers when reentering the program, and provides technical corrections for End-Stage Renal Disease facilities and Transplant Programs . . .