Critical Deadline: March 1st, 2026

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) decided to modernize the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program by fully transitioning to electronic fee coupons and certificates

What is Changing

• Effective March 1st, 2026, CLIA will go paperless.  All fee coupons and certificates will now be electronic
• Survey fees and certifications must be paid online
• Checks will no longer be an acceptable form of payment

Why This Matters

Any provider that performs laboratory testing must fully transition to electronic notifications to remain compliant. Failure to transition may result in billing delays or certification issues, which can impact reimbursement

What Action is Required

Eligible laboratories and providers need to sign up for CMS electronic mail notifications for all CLIA communication. You must :

• Email your state agency
• Contact your accreditation organization if your laboratory is accredited 

Important Note:

This update does not apply to CLIA-exempt states