BOC Terminated as CMS Accreditation Organization

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

As of December 2, 2025, BOC no longer has authority to:

• Perform reaccreditation activities
• Conduct surveys or provide accreditation for new locations
• Conduct surveys or provide accreditation for new product categories
• Execute any other functions as a CMS-approved accreditation organization

At this time, CMS has not released details regarding the basis for BOC’s termination.  Updated as of December 19th BOC has provided the statement at this link. However, CMS has issued the following Notice: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/boc-external-qa.pdf

What This Means for Your Pharmacy or DMEPOS Facility

If your organization currently relies on BOC for DMEPOS accreditation, please review the following carefully:

• If you have already achieved accreditation with BOC, that accreditation certificate is still valid until its expiration date.
  • You will need to pick a NEW accreditation organization (AO) prior to your current certificate expiring. We recommend you start at least 6 months prior to expiration so you have enough time to find an AO, update any requirements that may differ from that BOC required, and have ample time to get the application in and survey completed. 
• BOC can no longer perform accreditation-related activities. If you need to renew accreditation, add a location, add products, change ownership, or make other updates that require accreditation, you must work with a CMS-approved accreditation organization other than BOC.  
  • Once you start working with another accreditation organization you have 30 Days to update your PECOS to reflect the change in Accreditation Organization. 
  • Here is a list of CMS approved Accreditation Organizations.
• DMEPOS suppliers currently in the accreditation process with BOC (just submitted application or waiting on Survey) will need to transition to a different accreditation organization to maintain compliance. You should seek a refund from BOC now.  

BOC provided the following information regarding their individual certificate holders:

Valued BOC Certificant,

You have likely read that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) notified BOC of its decision to immediately withdraw BOC’s status as a ‘deemed’ accrediting organization (AO) effective December 2, 2025. 

We are reaching out to clarify that this decision is related only to facility accreditation and has no impact on your BOC certification or credentials. For reference, accreditation applies to facilities and certification applies to individuals.

We regret that CMS’ release of information about their decision may have caused any concerns or confusion for our certificants. We are in the process of appealing the decision and taking actions as advised by our attorneys to defend our status as an accrediting organization. You can read our full statement on the matter here. 
 
BOC certifications remain valid and fully recognized by CMS, private payors, and other state regulatory bodies.
 
If you have any specific questions, please reach out to us at 410-581-6222. 

Important Options to Consider

1. Accreditation Exemption (Pharmacies Only)

Some pharmacies may qualify for the Medicare DMEPOS Accreditation Exemption, which allows continued DME billing without maintaining paid accreditation, provided all CMS eligibility criteria are met. This can be a significant cost-saving option, particularly as CMS moves toward more frequent accreditation surveys. Even with an exemption, all CMS DMEPOS Supplier Standards still apply. We strongly encourage pharmacies with a DME PTAN to review whether they qualify.  R.J. Hedges Clients have find a bulletin on our Compliance Portal with more details.  

2. Transition to Another Accreditation Organization

DMEPOS suppliers and pharmacies that are already accredited by BOC may transition to another CMS-approved accreditation organization prior to their renewal date. However, timing is critical. We recommend starting this process well in advance of your renewal or any planned operational changes.

RJHedges Recommendation

R.J. Hedges & Associates currently recommends the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).

• Our RJH policies and procedures for DMEPOS are already aligned with ACHC accreditation standards
• We can help to assist you transition from BOC to ACHC
• You do not have to act immediately if you are not making any changes to your offering, ownership, location, etc.  However, you will need to switch AO's if you are making a change or up for renewal. 
  • If reaching out to ACHC, and you have our DMEPOS and/or Pharmacy Compliance Program, let them know your pharmacy/facility is an R.J. Hedges & Associates client
• ACHC Phone: 919-785-1214

Our team is actively coordinating with ACHC and monitoring CMS guidance to determine the best course of action for impacted clients. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

If you have questions about your specific situation or would like help reviewing your options, please contact your Project Manager. Please be advised that many of our staff will be out during the holidays, you may want to use pm@rjhedges.com.  Non clients can email sales@rjhedges.com