Hospice & Home Health News 2026June19

Kierstin Reed • June 18, 2026

CMS Issues Final Rule on Accrediting Organizations. 

On June 12, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule intended to improve healthcare quality and patient safety through enhanced oversight of Accrediting Organizations (AO). The Strengthening Oversight of AO and Preventing AO Conflicts of Interest Final Rule ensures that the organizations responsible for the oversight of more than 9,000 healthcare providers and suppliers use Medicare standards, and creates greater consistency between State Survey Agencies (SAs) and AOs in their respective survey processes. Home health and hospice agencies can be accredited by these organizations, however skilled nursing facilities may not. In 2024, LeadingAge submitted comments on the proposed rule, supporting a number of proposals but stressing that some proposals may restrict AOs from providing beneficial education and support to improve long-term compliance. Overall, the rule seeks to prevent conflicts of interest, ensure alignment between AOs and other surveyors, improve AO performance, and ensure AOs remain independent reviewers. LeadingAge will have further analysis on the rule and the impacts to home health and hospice agencies in the coming week.

Here is your weekly  Home Health Weekly Recap from National.

Here is your weekly  Hospice Weekly Recap from National.

By Kierstin Reed June 18, 2026
**Thank You for Attending!** LeadingAge RAD for PRAC Peer-Sharing and Policy Discussion.
By Kierstin Reed June 18, 2026
HHS OIG Focus: Duplicate VA and Medicaid Payments.
By Kierstin Reed June 18, 2026
DHS Proposes Further Work Authorization Restrictions.
By Kierstin Reed June 18, 2026
COVID “Up to Date” Definition Will Not Change.
By Kierstin Reed June 18, 2026
Don’t miss our next Assisted Living Survey Session
By Kierstin Reed June 18, 2026
Stability in Social Services: How prepared are you for social services turnover? Regulations require that nursing homes under 120 beds have someone meeting the criteria as their Social Services Designee. Nebraska allows those in this position to meet the criteria by taking a course of at least 35 hours in the skills needed. We have you covered! Sign up a team member today for our in-person course taking place August 3-7. Our week-long Social Services Designee Training is designed specifically for professionals like you, providing the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools needed to succeed in this essential position. Whether you’re new to the role or looking to strengthen your expertise, this course offers a comprehensive foundation to help you navigate the unique challenges of serving residents in a long-term care setting. Throughout the training, you’ll gain a clear understanding of your roles and responsibilities as a Social Services Director, learn how to effectively collaborate with your interdisciplinary team, and build skills in developing and implementing meaningful, person-centered care plans. We’ll also dive into strategies for addressing residents’ emotional, psychological, and social needs, while helping you confidently interpret and apply state and federal regulations. Designed for facilities under 120 beds, this course meets required training standards and equips you to make a lasting impact for both your residents and your organization.
By Kierstin Reed June 18, 2026
Would you like to meet with candidates?
By Kierstin Reed June 11, 2026
June 5 Update: STILL DELAYED - HUD-Required Immigration Eligibility Reverification in Multifamily Housing.
By Kierstin Reed June 11, 2026
GAO releases report on hospice payment.
By Kierstin Reed June 11, 2026
LeadingAge Submits Comments on Medicaid HCBS QMs.
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