Compliance and accreditation news: week of October 18, 2026
CMS published a proposed rule to implement three sections of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, issued two transmittals with January 2027 implementation dates, and announced employer support for expanding electronic prior authorization to self-funded health plans. CMS also announced Rural Health Transformation Program funding for Maryland, Mississippi, Alaska and Texas.
CMS proposes rule implementing three Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 sections
Compliance: CMS published a proposed rule, file code CMS-4214-P, that "…would implement section 6219 (Adjustments to Medicare Part D Cost-Sharing Reductions for Low-Income Individuals), section 6220 (Requiring Enhanced and Accurate Lists of (REAL) Health Providers Act), and section 6224 (Modernizing and Ensuring Pharmacy Benefit Manager Accountability) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026." It appeared in the Federal Register on October 20, 2026. "To be assured consideration, comments must be received … no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on December 15, 2026." Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, "Medicare Program; Implementation of Sections 6219, 6220, and 6224 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026", October 20, 2026. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-10-20/html/2026-21420.htm
Employers back expansion of electronic prior authorization to self-funded plans
CMS and the U.S. Department of Labor announced on October 21, 2026, that "…five leading employers have signed a statement of support to make the technical improvements and other capabilities being developed through the 2025 Prior Authorization Pledge available to employers that sponsor self-funded health plans." Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, "Leading Employers Back Expansion of Electronic Prior Authorization to Self-Funded Health Plans", October 21, 2026. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/leading-employers-back-expansion-electronic-prior-authorization-self-funded-health-plans
CMS transmittal on January 2027 Rural Emergency Hospital monthly facility payment
CMS issued transmittal R14017CP (Change Request 14665), "January 2027 Annual Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Monthly Facility Payment Amount", on October 22, 2026, with an implementation date of January 4, 2027. Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, "January 2027 Annual Rural Emergency Hospital (REH) Monthly Facility Payment Amount (Transmittal R14017CP)", October 22, 2026. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/regulations-guidance/transmittals/2026-transmittals/r14017cp
CMS transmittal updates DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program for January 2027
CMS issued transmittal R14019CP (Change Request 14669), "Update for the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) – January 2027", on October 22, 2026, with an implementation date of January 4, 2027. Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, "Update for the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program (CBP) – January 2027 (Transmittal R14019CP)", October 22, 2026. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/regulations-guidance/transmittals/2026-transmittals/r14019cp
$16.4 million in rural health workforce funding for Maryland
Program development: On October 19, 2026, a CMS press release announced "…$16.4 million in Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding to address critical healthcare workforce shortages and improve access to care" in Maryland. Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, "Trump Administration Announces More Than $16 Million for Rural Healthcare Workforce Training and Retention Across Maryland", October 19, 2026. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-administration-announces-more-16-million-rural-healthcare-workforce-training-retention-across
$32 million in rural health funding for Mississippi workforce and mental healthcare
On October 21, 2026, a CMS press release announced "…$32 million in Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding to strengthen Mississippi's rural healthcare workforce and expand access to emergency mental health services." The release states: "This investment will provide 60 awards for rural healthcare providers and workforce programs across Mississippi." Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, "Trump Administration Announces $32 Million to Recruit Rural Doctors, Train Healthcare Workers and Expand Emergency Mental Healthcare Across Mississippi", October 21, 2026. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-administration-announces-32-million-recruit-rural-doctors-train-healthcare-workers-expand
Nearly $249 million in rural health funding for 254 Alaska projects
On October 22, 2026, a CMS press release announced "…nearly $249 million in Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding for 254 projects that will strengthen healthcare for rural Alaskans." The release states: "The announcement completes Alaska's Year 1 RHTP funding cycle." Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, "Trump Administration Announces Nearly $249 Million to Bring Healthcare Closer to Home for Rural Alaskans", October 22, 2026. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-administration-announces-nearly-249-million-bring-healthcare-closer-home-rural-alaskans
$8 million in rural health funding for 28 Texas providers
On October 22, 2026, a CMS press release announced "…$8 million in Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding to 28 rural healthcare providers through the Rural Texas Strong initiative." Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, "Trump Administration Announces $8 Million for 28 Rural Healthcare Providers to Strengthen Healthcare Across Texas", October 22, 2026. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-administration-announces-8-million-28-rural-healthcare-providers-strengthen-healthcare-across
Accreditor news pages checked
Accreditation: The news pages of NCQA, ACHC, CARF and NABP were read this week. None carried a new or revised standard, or an accreditor announcement of a partnership, a leadership change or a new accreditation program, dated October 18 to October 23, 2026.
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