Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Application From Joint Commission for Continued CMS Approval of Its Home Health Agency Accreditation Program
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) received an application from The Joint Commission (JC) for continued recognition as a national accrediting organization for home health agencies (HHAs) seeking to participate in Medicare or Medicaid. JC's current approval expires on March 30, 2026. This proposed notice announces the receipt of the application, which was deemed complete on September 2, 2025, and opens a public comment period. CMS will evaluate whether JC's accreditation standards, survey processes, complaint handling, monitoring of non-compliant agencies, data reporting, and financial viability meet or exceed the Medicare Conditions of Participation for HHAs under 42 CFR part 484. The public has until 5 p.m. on May 4, 2026, to submit comments. CMS may re-approve the program for up to 6 years.
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Key Changes
- JC's current HHA accreditation approval expires March 30, 2026
- Application deemed complete on September 2, 2025
- Public comment period ends at 5 p.m. on May 4, 2026
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Joint Commission must submit a complete application for continued CMS approval of its Home Health Agency accreditation program by March 30, 2026 (current approval expiration date)
Joint Commission must demonstrate that its accreditation standards for HHAs meet or exceed Medicare Conditions of Participation under 42 CFR part 484
Joint Commission must establish and maintain survey procedures and processes comparable to state agencies, including appropriate survey frequency and ability to investigate and respond to complaints against accredited facilities
Joint Commission must implement monitoring procedures for HHAs found out of compliance with its program requirements
Joint Commission must report deficiencies to surveyed facilities and respond to facility plans of correction in a timely manner