CHAP Introduces Simplified HME Accreditation Standards

ARLINGTON, Va. (October 7, 2021)—Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP) announced new home medical equipment (HME)/durable medical equipment, prosthetics and orthotics (DMPOS) standards approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The new standards will be used for all HME/DMEPOS surveys starting Jan. 1 2022. 

CHAP standards build operational effectiveness and compliance. The company’s education and resources help provide clinical distinction and quality care. The CHAP seal and name have been a symbol of trust and quality to consumers for over 55 years.

In HME, service, quality,and consistency are crucial. Common sense standards that help strengthen agencies, instead of giving them more hurdles, helps them succeed.

CHAP pulled together thought leaders from across the industry and redesigned the company’s HME/DMEPOS standards to give agencies options that align with their state requirements. These new standards support agencies where they are and provide them the playbook for growth.

In a press release, the company said they listened to customers and streamlined the HME/DMEPOS standards, making it easier to identify what standards apply to an individual provider while maintaining a simple format. The standards have been refined from two manuals with a total of 159 pages of standards and guidance to one manual with 58 pages.

The new format demonstrates a commitment to clear standards statements and expectation of evidence with an emphasis of the site visit on execution where the site visitor and the organization are aware of the expectations. Every standard as written has accompanying evidence guidelines that any provider can follow to understand what CHAP will specifically be looking for during a site visit.

All updated standards are relevant to quality standard care. They focus on quality patient care and positive outcomes for the client. The HME/DMEPOS standards are structured so that it’s easy for HME providers, no matter the business model, to achieve and maintain accreditation.

Copies of the new standards are available at chapinc.org. The company will begin conducting surveys on the new standards starting Jan. 1, 2022.