CMS Posts Final PACE Audit Protocol

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on February 17, 2026 posted the Final Audit Protocol for Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Organizations.

CMS urges PACE organizations to review the updates and prepare for upcoming audits by understanding data and documentation requests. Following the protocols does not exempt providers from compliance with applicable statutes or regulations. If factors outside of those covered in the audit protocol are identified as areas of concern or non-compliance, additional review is likely regardless of whether the policy is included in the updated Audit Protocol.

Providers can view all related documents on the PACE Audits webpage. The PACE Audit overview stratifies the process into phases and timelines and allows providers a window into the CMS process and expectations in a more standardized process.