Emergency Services Update 2026

On March 27, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published interpretive guidelines and survey procedures for the recent updates for Acute Care and Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) regarding emergency services.

The new requirements address all patients, and cover protocols, provisions, and staff training. They also include care of postpartum patients with pregnancy-related emergencies.

This program will cover the new regulations, interpretive guidelines, and more stringent
survey procedures for protocols and provisions. Updates for staff training, quality assurance
and performance improvement (QAPI) and transfer requirements are still pending.

At the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to:

• Describe the new requirement for emergency services in Acute Care and CAHs.
• Recall possible medical and surgical emergencies to be considered
• Discuss potential obstetrical emergencies to be considered.
• Explain the three key elements assessed for compliance during a survey.