Comment on CMS-2026-1454-0001
Julie WittOpposeIndividual
Summary: The commenter, representing a perspective focused on rural healthcare, opposes the proposal to allow self-attestation for RHC recertification. They argue that self-attestation reduces oversight and threatens patient safety in underserved areas, advocating instead for continued triennial onsite surveys to validate safety practices.
I have serious concerns regarding the proposed change to the ongoing RHC accreditation requirements CMS-10952A-D, specifically the proposal to allow self-attestation for renewal every six years. Rural Health Clinics serve remote locations and underserved populations where health providers and services are limited. The RHC is often the only care many individuals receive, including minor emergency/urgent care services. Reduced oversight and self-attested compliance poses a very real threat to patient safety. Lack of in-person oversight will lead to complacency and decline into poor practices and gaps in services. Medication and vaccine administration, infection control practices, urgent care and emergency preparedness plans, these are all important aspects of rural health care services that require ongoing onsite validation. Please put patient safety first to this very underserved and at-risk population and continue validation of safe practices by triennial onsite surveys.