The Monthly Dose: June 2026

New CMS oversight of accrediting organizations reflects growing federal interest in accountability, transparency, and oversight of private standard-setting organizations.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently finalized new rules strengthening federal oversight of healthcare accrediting organizations that survey more than 9,000 healthcare providers and suppliers nationwide.

CMS cited concerns regarding conflicts of interest, inconsistent survey practices, and the need for greater accountability among organizations entrusted with evaluating healthcare providers. CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz summarized the agency's approach by asking, "Who watches the watchmen?" adding that organizations exercising these responsibilities must themselves remain subject to oversight and accountability.

The new rules establish enhanced oversight, increased transparency, stronger conflict-of-interest protections, and greater consistency between accrediting organizations and government survey agencies.

While these changes apply specifically to healthcare accrediting organizations, they reflect a broader policy discussion regarding the role of private organizations that establish standards affecting participation in healthcare. Questions surrounding accountability, transparency, conflicts of interest, and oversight are increasingly receiving attention from federal agencies.

These developments reflect a broader federal interest in examining how private organizations establish standards that influence physician practice, workforce mobility, competition, and patient access to care. These are many of the same issues NBPAS has long worked to address, and we welcome the increased attention they are now receiving.

Read more here: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-ensures-accrediting-organizations-uphold-trust-standards-oversight

Over the years, many physicians have helped introduce NBPAS within their own organizations. One thing we've learned is that having clear, accessible information available for credentialing teams can make those conversations much easier.

That's why we've created a new resource page specifically for hospitals, medical staff professionals, and credentialing teams.

The page includes an overview of NBPAS certification, verification resources, accreditation alignment, sample bylaw language, and answers to common questions that arise during credentialing and medical staff discussions.

Whether your hospital already recognizes NBPAS or your organization is beginning to explore recognition, this resource is designed to support productive conversations and provide credentialing teams with the information they need.

If your hospital has not yet recognized NBPAS, we encourage you to share this resource with your credentialing office, medical staff services department, or physician leadership team.

One of the easiest ways to support NBPAS is simply to use your credential.

Adding DNBPAS to your email signature, professional biography, conference presentations, and online profiles helps increase awareness and recognition among colleagues, administrators, and credentialing teams.

As more diplomates proudly display their certification, NBPAS becomes increasingly visible throughout hospitals, medical staffs, and healthcare organizations. Small actions by thousands of physicians can make a meaningful difference.

It's a fair question, and one we hear from physicians often.

While many hospitals, health systems, payers, and employers now recognize NBPAS, others have not yet updated their policies. Progress takes time, and physician participation remains essential to that progress.

Every physician who maintains NBPAS helps demonstrate that there is meaningful demand for an alternative to traditional Maintenance of Certification. Growth in physician participation strengthens conversations with hospitals, employers, credentialing organizations, policymakers, and legislators.

The recent attention from the Department of Justice regarding competition in physician certification and CMS's increased oversight of organizations that establish healthcare standards highlights the importance of these discussions.

Simply put, if physicians do not support alternatives, alternatives cannot survive.

By maintaining your certification, you are supporting a physician-led model focused on continuing education, professional development, and patient care and helping preserve a meaningful choice for future physicians.