The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on January 25 issued a proposed rule to enhance the enrollment standards for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) suppliers. The proposed rule is intended to increase protections for Medicare and its beneficiaries from potentially dishonest or low quality suppliers.By creating five new standards and strengthening seven of the 21 existing standards that suppliers must meet, the proposed rule would provide Medicare beneficiaries with additional assurance that they are being served by suppliers who meet the highest standards of quality."The proposals represent the next step in Medicare's ongoing efforts to ensure its beneficiaries continue to have access to high quality products and services at appropriate prices, while protecting them and the program from unscrupulous suppliers," said CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems. "In addition to meeting the enrollment standards, all DMEPOS suppliers are required to obtain accreditation from one of ten accrediting organizations announced in November 2006."