R.J. Hedges Blog

Navigating Recent CMS and DMEPOS Accreditation Changes

becky@rjhedges.com (Becky Templeton) — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 19:47:03 GMT

Over the past several weeks, there have been several important developments related to DMEPOS accreditation that have understandably caused confusion for pharmacies and DME suppliers. Between new CMS requirements, the temporary loss of accreditation authority by the Board of Certification/Accreditation(BOC), and a subsequent court ruling that reinstated their status, many providers are asking the same question: “What does this mean for my pharmacy, and do I need to act right now?”

BOC Terminated as CMS Accreditation Organization

becky@rjhedges.com (Becky Templeton) — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 03:10:23 GMT

CMS has announced that it has terminated the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) as a CMS-approved Accreditation Organization (AO) for DMEPOS suppliers.

Why Independent Pharmacies Should Consider Long Term Care at Home

becky@rjhedges.com (Becky Templeton) — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 20:44:25 GMT

You’re already going the extra mile; coordinating with caregivers, synchronizing medications, offering compliance packaging, and delivering medications directly to patients who need the same level of support they would receive in a facility. In other words: you’re already servicing the patients and technically already offering Long Term Care (LTC) at Home. The difference? You’re not getting paid for it!

Understanding the Medicare DMEPOS Accreditation Exemption for Pharmacies

becky@rjhedges.com (Becky Templeton) — Tue, 20 May 2025 18:37:55 GMT

If your pharmacy has been accredited for DMEPOS items for at least 5 years, and total sales from those items are 5% or less of your pharmacy gross revenue, you may be eligible for the Medicare Accreditation Exemption.

Why Independent Retail Pharmacies Need Completed Assessments of Risk for Hazardous Drugs

becky@rjhedges.com (Becky Templeton) — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 15:05:22 GMT

Earlier this year, NIOSH finalized the 2024 List of Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings, introducing major changes that affect independent pharmacies nationwide.

USP <800> Compliance Guide for Independent Community & Retail Pharmacies | R.J. Hedges & Associates

becky@rjhedges.com (Becky Templeton) — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 15:21:00 GMT

Independent pharmacy owners are no strangers to evolving regulations and industry standards. Two key areas that have seen significant changes in recent years are Hazardous Drug (HD) compliance and compounding compliance. To navigate these updates effectively, it's crucial to stay informed about what's happening in your field. Let's break down the essential points you need to know on changes to USP <800>.

Ensuring Healthcare Cybersecurity: Comprehensive Guide for Providers | R. J. Hedges & Associates

Jeff Hedges — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 18:50:53 GMT

In an era where technology drives efficiency in healthcare, healthcare cybersecurity is more critical than ever. Computers, mobile devices, and wireless networks streamline operations, but they also present vulnerabilities that can lead to data breaches and non-compliance with regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This guide explores essential cybersecurity requirements for healthcare providers to protect sensitive patient data and maintain secure networks.

How a Pharmacy Compliance Consultant Can Help Lighten the Load for Pharmacy Owners

becky@rjhedges.com (Becky Templeton) — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 21:34:31 GMT

I think most pharmacy owners would agree they are wearing too many hats! Is it because they feel a need to do the task themselves or is it because they don’t have enough staff to complete the task? Either way, many jobs and responsibilities end up on the shoulders, or in this analogy, on the head of the pharmacy owner. Payroll, orders, HR actions, paperwork, billing issues, IT support, etc., each one of these items is a “hat” that need to be continually worn. Now think about compliance, I would say that's probably a Texas-sized 10-gallon hat. It’s awkward, balky, slightly unattractive, and for some reason, no one else wants to wear that hat!

How UGO Turns Data into Dollars| Partnership Series [Podcast]

becky@rjhedges.com (Becky Templeton) — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 04:24:42 GMT

340B Overview and Valuations | Partnership Series [Podcast]

becky@rjhedges.com (Becky Templeton) — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 11:38:04 GMT