CMS has paused survey activity for State Survey Agencies (SAs) during the federal government shutdown. However, Accrediting Organizations (AOs) – including Community Health Accreditation Partners (CHAP), Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), and The Joint Commission (TJC) — are still authorized to conduct deemed status surveys. Because AOs operate independently of federal appropriations, they are…
CMS has paused survey activity for State Survey Agencies (SAs) during the federal government shutdown. However, Accrediting Organizations (AOs) – including Community Health Accreditation Partners (CHAP), Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), and The Joint Commission (TJC) — are still authorized to conduct deemed status surveys. Because AOs operate independently of federal appropriations, they are not subject to the same restrictions outlined in CMS’s shutdown guidance.
Important distinction for agencies:
- Since 2024, AOs must obtain prior approval for initial Medicare certification surveys and that process is suspended during the shutdown.
- If your agency does not have a CCN and is seeking initial accreditation, your survey may be delayed.
- If your agency has a CCN and is being surveyed for first time accreditation, reaccreditation, or switching to a new AO, your survey will proceed, but the CMS processing may be delayed.
What can you do?
- If you are due for a SA survey:
- Stay informed of the shutdown status
- Monitor CMS updates
- Remain survey-ready
- If you are due for an AO survey:
- Stay in close contact with your AO
- Monitor CMS updates
- Remain survey-ready
Read the official CMS memo: QSO-26-01-ALL REVISED 2025-10-01
