The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released revised memo QSO-26-01-ALL on October 21, 2025 updating survey and certification activities during the federal government shutdown. The revised policies address concerns that LeadingAge previously highlighted in an October 15 letter to CMS related to revisit surveys in nursing homes, home health and hospice and Denials of Payment for New Admissions (DPNA).

QSO-26-01-ALL states that on-site revisits will now be authorized upon request when necessary to prevent a statutorily-mandated DPNA.

The memo further clarifies that states may continue state-funded licensure surveys and other activities but should not expect these surveys to be accepted as federal survey and certification surveys. Though this policy is consistent with the original October 1 release of QSO-26-01-ALL, there appeared to be some confusion among states due to past practices.

LeadingAge appreciates CMS’s attention to and resolution of the unintended consequences of the previous suspension of revisit surveys during the federal government shutdown. We will continue to monitor this situation.