This proposed rule would add requirements and a specified process to address changes of ownership as they relate to the sale, transfer, and/or purchase of assets of Accrediting Organizations (AOs) with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)-approved accreditation programs. This change is intended to provide CMS the ability to receive notice when an AO is contemplating undergoing or negotiating a change of ownership and the ability to review the AO’s capability to perform its tasks after a change of ownership has occurred, in order to insure the ongoing effectiveness of the approved accreditation program(s) and to minimize risk to patient safety.