HHS gives CMS power to exclude providers from federal health programs
Issue
On October 14, 2026, HHS gave the CMS Administrator its permissive exclusion authority under section 1128(b) of the Social Security Act, effective immediately. Until now that power sat with the HHS Inspector General, who keeps it.
CMS cannot hold hearings or write rules under it. No FQHC is named.
Sources for this story
HHS / CMS — Statement of Delegation of Authority, Federal Register 2026-21001 (91 FR 65219, Oct. 14, 2026)Sources for your board packet
This story's source plus 4 related stories and their sources, ready to print for your team or board.
Free. Unlocking the packet subscribes you to Intel Brief. You'll also get a short welcome series and the occasional product update. You'll be subscribed right away, with no confirmation email. Unsubscribe with one click in any issue. If you unsubscribed before, we won't re-add you. We never sell your email. You can open each source above without an email.
Part of
- Enforcement: privacy, fraud and audits
False Claims Act, DOJ and federal audits
FQHC Talent. (2026, October 14). HHS gives CMS power to exclude providers from federal health programs. Source: HHS / CMS — Statement of Delegation of Authority, Federal Register 2026-21001 (91 FR 65219, Oct. 14, 2026). Retrieved October 27, 2026, from https://www.fqhctalent.com/intel/hhs-delegates-permissive-exclusion-authority-to-cms-october-2026
More in Risk & Compliance
Oct 23
Texas HHSC may move some Medicaid provider revalidation dates earlier
Oct 23
Texas HHSC proposes Medicaid recovery audits for managed care claims
Oct 22
KFF brief says states may lean on providers to prove medical frailty
Oct 22
Justice Department and HHS open a civil False Claims Act self-disclosure pilot