Building a dialysis facility within the confines of a skilled nursing facility

Creating a dialysis facility within an existing SNF will cost more money then building an independent dialysis facility. If a new building is created and is physically attached to the existing SNF, it will have to meet the regulations that apply to the SNF. It is possible to build a new building adjacent to but not connected with the SNF without having to meet SNF requirements. If this is an option, then it is imperative to determine with the local authorities how much space must be between the structures. If the decision is made to build within the physical confines of the existing SNF, the SNF may no longer meet current regulations. In some cases I have seen, the SNF facility was older and had been grandfathered under current regulations. When the building inspector and fire marshall inspected the new dialysis unit, they made the determination that the SNF had to be upgraded to meet some of the current regulations. This was a very costly situation for the SNF. If the organization is considering creating a dialysis unit in conjunction with a SNF, I would recommend the dialysis unit be constructed as a new, separate building on the campus rather then within the existing building. The combination of these two types of care can be very positive both for the patients and the organizations.