Executive Commentary | 2026 DMEPOS Regulatory Changes
Posted: January 19, 2026
A Message from Our President & CEO
Over the past several weeks, the DMEPOS community has been navigating a period of heightened uncertainty. Regulatory changes, evolving interpretations, and an increase in industry noise have understandably raised questions about what comes next, and who you can rely on as you move forward.
Moments like this reveal the true character of an industry.
Historically, periods of regulatory disruption tend to produce two very different responses from accreditors. One approach treats change as an opportunity for short-term gain—simplifying accreditation to the point of meaninglessness, reducing standards to checklists, or positioning “fast and cheap” compliance as the primary value proposition. The other approach recognizes that accreditation is not a transactional exercise, but a responsibility—to patients, to providers, and to the integrity of the healthcare system itself.
At ACHC, our position is clear.
We believe accreditation should strengthen organizations, not simply qualify them. It should provide clarity, guidance, and partnership—not confusion, fear, or last-minute scrambling. And it should be rooted in a genuine commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
The current DMEPOS environment underscores why that distinction matters.
Regulatory change is not new to this sector. What is new is the level of urgency—and in some cases, anxiety—being felt across the supplier community. We understand that pressure. But we also believe that decisions made in haste, or driven by price alone, often carry long-term consequences that extend far beyond a single survey cycle.
Accreditation done right is not about “getting through” a survey. It is about building durable, compliant operations that can adapt as regulations evolve. It is about working with an accrediting organization that is aligned with CMS expectations, transparent in its standards, and invested in your success beyond the day of the survey.
That is the role ACHC has played for DMEPOS organizations for decades.
We do not engage in what some have come to call accreditation theater—the appearance of rigor without meaningful value. Instead, we focus on education, collaboration, and practical guidance that helps organizations close gaps and stay compliant over time. Our surveyors are not auditors looking to penalize; they are experienced professionals committed to helping others understand requirements and apply them in real-world settings.
Just as importantly, we believe in ethical stewardship of accreditation itself. When accrediting bodies race to the bottom (competing on speed, cost, or minimal effort) the entire industry pays the price. Standards erode. Trust diminishes. And ultimately, patients are put at risk. This is partially the reason why we are where we are at this very moment.
ACHC will not compromise on our ultimate responsibility to elevate patient care in the organizations we serve.
As DMEPOS regulations continue to evolve, our commitment remains unchanged: to be a stable, trusted partner that helps DME suppliers navigate complexity with confidence. A Q&A resource that details guidance for the most recent CMS changes is available here. We will continue to communicate transparently, provide timely guidance, and advocate for accreditation that serves its intended purpose; advancing quality care and protecting the patients who depend on it. If you’re committed to these principles, we also won’t let price be the reason to not choose ACHC.
If you have questions, concerns, or simply want a clearer understanding of what these changes mean for your organization, our team is here to help. Not just today, but for the long term.
That is what real accreditation looks like.
That is who ACHC is.
Sincerely,
