The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) suspended the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) from accrediting/reaccrediting durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS) suppliers for three years in California, Florida, New York, and Texas. The action only impacts new and reaccreditation applications; it does not affect currently accredited organizations in those states.
The decision followed the conviction of a former BOC contractor who admitted to taking bribes as a site inspector. The contractor also formed DME companies with false information and conducted inspections on those facilities before selling them. BOC has implemented enhancements to internal systems and oversight mechanisms.
“BOC remains in good standing as a CMS-deemed accrediting organization,” said Judi Knott, MA, MBA, CAE, president and CEO. “The transgressions of a former independent contractor do not reflect BOC’s values or institutional practices. We are taking this matter seriously and are working closely with CMS to ensure continued compliance and maintain the high standards for which BOC is known.
“We are working collaboratively with CMS to comply with its instructions. Although CMS and BOC agreed that the cessation in the four states is for three years, CMS will review the status of the cessation annually,” Knott said. “BOC’s goal is for it to resume full accreditation activity in the four states in less than three years.”
