CMS changes NPPES 'provider gender code' to 'provider sex code' with only M/F options under EO 14168

90 FR 36061 (July 31, 2025) notice on NPPES data changes. Pursuant to EO 14168, HHS renames the NPPES data element 'provider gender code' to 'provider sex code,' replaces 'gender' with 'sex' in its description, and limits selection choices to M (male) and F (female). The notice reverses the March 2024 NPPES approach that had added additional gender code choices under the now-rescinded EO 14075, and relies on HHS's Feb. 19, 2025 'Defining Sex' guidance (two sexes, immutable biological classification).