Proposed Rule suggests Significant Change to Accreditation Process

Published in Government Relations on July 10, 2025

The recently released proposed rule CMS-1828-P contains a significant change that could reshape how suppliers navigate accreditation. The rule proposes a major change that would require suppliers to be surveyed and reaccredited annually instead of the current three (3) year cadence. This proposal raises substantial questions about both operational feasibility and cost implications.

Do Accrediting Organizations Have The Bandwidth? 

Under the new proposal, Accrediting Organizations (AOs) will be tasked with tripling their reaccreditation workload. This poses a serious question: Do AOs have the infrastructure, staffing, and systems in place to maintain the quality and rigor of their evaluations under this accelerated schedule? 

Traditionally, reaccreditation every three years has allowed AOs sufficient time to conduct thorough assessments and offer meaningful feedback to suppliers. Compressing this timeline could risk superficial evaluations, backlog issues, and increased pressure on both accrediting bodies and suppliers to meet compliance standards efficiently. 

Potential Impact on DME Suppliers

Currently, DME suppliers pay an annual fee plus survey fees for accreditation. With the proposed annual requirement, there are several questions as to how AOs will restructure their pricing model to accommodate more frequent surveys and potentially substantial increase in cost to suppliers. 

Final Thoughts 

As the proposed rule undergoes review, stakeholders — from suppliers to AOs — should be actively engaged in assessing the logistical and financial impacts. These decisions will affect not only business operations but also patient access and care quality. Transparency, preparedness, and collaborative planning are critical as this shift unfolds. 

Public Comment Period: Make Your Voice Heard  

It is critical for DME suppliers and stakeholders to participate in the public comment period to ensure that industry perspectives are reflected in the final policy.  

  1. Deadline for Comments: Comments must be received no later than 5 p.m. EDT on August 29.  
  2. Reference: Please include file code CMS-1828-P in your submission.  
  3. Note: CMS cannot accept comments via fax due to staffing and resource limitations.  

How to Submit Comments  

Go to the federal register proposed rule:   

Choose one of the following methods to submit your feedback:  

  1. Electronically: Submit comments at Regulations.gov. Follow the instructions under the “Submit a Comment” tab.   
  2. By mail: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Department of Health and Human Services Attention: CMS-1828-P P.O. Box 8013 Baltimore, MD 21244-8013 (Ensure timely delivery before the deadline).  
  3. By express or overnight mail: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Department of Health and Human Services Attention: CMS-1828-P Mail Stop C4-26-05 7500 Security Boulevard Baltimore, MD 21244-1850  

VGM Is With You Every Step Of The Way  

VGM has stood by the DMEPOS community through every round of competitive bidding—and this time is no different. We remain committed to supporting suppliers throughout this process and will continue to provide resources and guidance along the way.  

Stay tuned for more insights as the rulemaking process unfolds.  

From Our Experts

Legislative Momentum in the HME Industry: Key Updates & Action Items thumbnail Legislative Momentum in the HME Industry: Key Updates & Action Items The past few months have seen a surge of legislative activity in the home medical equipment sector, with several key developments shaping policy and advocacy efforts across the industry. From new bills introduced in Congress to formal comment submissions and stakeholder mobilization, these events reflect growing momentum around critical issues affecting providers and patients alike. This article offers a comprehensive recap of recent actions and outlines important next steps for those... VGM Submits Comments Regarding the Section 232 National Security Investigation On Medical Imports thumbnail VGM Submits Comments Regarding the Section 232 National Security Investigation On Medical Imports VGM has submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce in response to its Section 232 National Security Investigation into the importation of personal protective equipment (PPE), medical consumables, and medical equipment and devices. Senate Backs DME Relief Act with Bipartisan Support thumbnail Senate Backs DME Relief Act with Bipartisan Support In a significant development for the durable medical equipment (DME) industry and Medicare beneficiaries, the U.S. Senate has introduced S.2951, the companion legislation to H.R. 2005, known as the DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025. The Senate bill is being led by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and has gained bipartisan support with Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) joining as a co-sponsor. Gov't Shutdown: What It Means for Providers thumbnail Gov't Shutdown: What It Means for Providers As expected, Democrats and Republican members of the Senate was unable to agree on terms in passing a continuing resolution (CR) ahead of the October 1st deadline, resulting in a government shutdown. But how did we get here? Oppose DMEPOS Bidding Expansion – Take Action Now thumbnail Oppose DMEPOS Bidding Expansion – Take Action Now A critical Congressional Sign-On Letter is now circulating in the House of Representatives, led by Reps. Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Greg Murphy (R-NC). This bipartisan letter calls on CMS to stop the proposed expansion of the durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program to include ostomy and urological supplies. Gov't Shutdown & Telehealth Flexibility Expiration thumbnail Gov't Shutdown & Telehealth Flexibility Expiration September 30 represents an important date for HME providers for two reasons: 1) The potential of a government shutdown and how that affects HHS and CMS, and 2) the expiration of Telehealth Flexibilities unless a Continuing Resolution (CR) is agreed upon in time. Josh Turek Visits VGM to Champion Accessibility & Advocacy thumbnail Josh Turek Visits VGM to Champion Accessibility & Advocacy Waterloo, IA — On Monday, VGM Group hosted the first of our “Meet The Candidate” forums by welcoming Iowa State Representative Josh Turek, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat soon to be vacated by Senator Joni Ernst. VGM & NCART Rally in D.C. to Defend CRT & HME Access thumbnail VGM & NCART Rally in D.C. to Defend CRT & HME Access Washington, D.C. – September 2025 — A powerful few days of advocacy wrapped up in the nation's capital as representatives from VGM Group, NCART, AAHomecare, and other key stakeholders in the Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) and Home Medical Equipment (HME) industries met with lawmakers to address urgent policy concerns.