5 Compliance Areas Providers Can’t Afford to Ignore After the DMEPOS Enrollment Moratorium Expired
The DMEPOS enrollment moratorium has officially expired, creating new opportunities for suppliers to expand locations, add product lines, and enter the Medicare market. But with those opportunities comes increased regulatory scrutiny and a renewed focus on compliance.
Whether you’re opening a new location, adding product categories, or preparing for your next survey, now is the time to ensure your compliance program is keeping pace with regulatory expectations.
During CHAP’s recent webinar, DME experts Tim Safley and Shannon Dorsey-Dunlap shared some of the most common deficiencies identified during accreditation and site visits, along with practical strategies providers can use to stay survey-ready.
1. Your QAPI Program Should Be Working Every Day
One of the most common indicators of compliance risk is recurring deficiencies. According to CHAP, these often point to an ineffective Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program. Organizations should routinely identify issues, implement corrective actions, and monitor results, rather than waiting until accreditation time to review performance.
2. Don’t Let Your Policies Work Against You
Surveyors frequently find organizations that aren’t following their own policies. Sometimes the policy itself isn’t the problem. It’s that procedures have changed over time, while documentation hasn’t. Regular policy reviews help ensure your operations, regulations, and written procedures remain aligned.
3. Infection Control Requires More Than Good Intentions
Proper equipment cleaning, disinfectant contact times, and the separation of clean and dirty equipment remain common survey findings. Staff need to understand not only what to do but also why these processes matter to prevent cross-contamination and protect patients.
4. Documentation Still Matters
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was simple: if it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen. Providers should ensure that patient education matches physician orders, that equipment can be tracked through serial or lot numbers, and that records clearly demonstrate compliance activities.
5. Small Deficiencies Can Create Big Problems
Expired fire extinguisher inspections, missing SDS sheets, incomplete personnel files, and missed OIG exclusion checks may seem minor, but they’re among the issues most cited during surveys. Consistent internal audits can help identify these risks before they become compliance findings.
The good news? Most of these deficiencies are preventable through regular monitoring, staff accountability, and a proactive approach to compliance.
Want the Full Discussion?
This article only scratches the surface. During the webinar, Tim and Shannon also discussed oxygen safety, complaint management, compliance programs, staffing requirements, patient satisfaction surveys, and CHAP’s self-readiness resources.
Looking for a deeper dive as the DMEPOS enrollment moratorium expires and compliance expectations continue to evolve? Join CHAP’s upcoming DMEPOS Accreditation Intensive on October 13-14, 2026. This hands-on training is designed to help providers better understand accreditation requirements, strengthen compliance programs, navigate today’s regulatory environment, and gain practical strategies for survey readiness.