As cancer care evolves, so do the standards for how data is collected, reported, and used to drive outcomes. At Harmony Healthcare, we know that accurate and timely cancer data reporting is more than a compliance requirement — it’s a cornerstone of quality, research, operational insight, and financial performance.
With new standards taking effect in 2025 and more regulatory shifts coming in 2026, here’s what organizations need to know — and why preparation matters.
2025 Updates: Commission on Cancer (CoC) and NAACCR Standards
The Commission on Cancer (CoC) has introduced several updates for calendar year 2025 that affect how programs manage and report cancer data:
- Standard 2.2 – Cancer Liaison Physician (CLP):CLP reports must now be separate and distinct from Rapid Cancer Reporting System (RCRS) submissions. This clarification ensures programs meet both requirements independently, reinforcing accountability and visibility into local cancer care performance.
- Standard 4.8 – Survivorship Program: Survivorship services must now extend beyond one-time events and be available throughout the calendar year or at defined intervals. This shift emphasizes continuity of care and aligns with national expectations for long-term survivorship support.
- NAACCR 2025 Implementation Guidelines: NAACCR has updated several abstraction elements and technical requirements for 2025. Facilities will need to ensure that software, manuals, and internal workflows reflect the latest specifications to maintain data accuracy and compatibility with state and federal reporting.
2026 Outlook: CMS and ONC Developments
Looking ahead, broader regulatory changes from CMS and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) will influence how oncology programs collect and exchange data.
CMS FY2026 Proposed Rule Highlights
CMS continues to emphasize value-based care and interoperability across care settings. Proposed updates affecting oncology include:
- Expanded use of electronic clinical quality measures (eCQMs)
- Integration with platforms such as iQIES and HOPE
- Increased alignment between oncology quality reporting and enterprise-level quality programs
These changes will require cancer programs to evaluate system readiness, data capture processes, and reporting workflows.
ONC “Insights Condition” Requirements (January 2026)
Under the HTI-1 rule, EHR vendors must support:
- USCDI v3 data elements
- SMART 2.0 protocols
- Enhanced reporting capabilities tied to the new Insights Condition
While much of the technical burden rests with vendors, oncology programs must ensure their systems and internal processes can capture the required data fields and exchange data in ways that support future compliance and quality reporting.
Why These Updates Matter
Falling behind on cancer data requirements does not typically trigger an immediate reimbursement reduction — but the downstream consequences can be significant. Inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated reporting can lead to:
- Loss of accreditation or eligibility for oncology program recognition
- Gaps in quality reporting that affect performance scores
- Increased audit and compliance risk
- Missed opportunities to capture clinical complexity or support patient-level decision-making
- Breakdowns in survivorship planning and care coordination
On the other hand, organizations that stay ahead of regulatory change can:
- Maintain data integrity and regulatory alignment
- Support research, surveillance, and enterprise analytics
- Strengthen operational and financial performance through accurate documentation and coding
- Improve continuity of care for oncology patients
- Protect and elevate quality outcomes
Harmony’s Perspective
Cancer data reporting is no longer a back-office function — it’s a strategic capability that directly influences a program’s ability to deliver high-quality care, maintain accreditation, and perform within value-based models.
At Harmony Healthcare, we help healthcare organizations navigate regulatory complexity with confidence. From abstraction support and workflow redesign to technical upgrades and training, our team ensures cancer programs are prepared for the evolving expectations of 2025, 2026, and beyond. Reach out to strengthen your organizations cancer data strategy.
