Assuring the Quality of Care: Understanding Common Deficiencies in Outpatient Dialysis Facilities

Outpatient dialysis facilities must follow many regulations and standards. The guiding principle for all is assurance of quality patient care and services. Outpatient dialysis facilities must follow the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regulations in the Conditions for Coverage to participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs. To ensure compliance with these rules, outpatient dialysis facilities are surveyed by a state agency or an accreditation organization with deemed status. The primary purpose of these rules is patient safety. Common deficient practices are frequently cited. Areas in which deficiencies are most commonly cited are infection control, water treatment, physical environment, patient assessment, plan of care, and responsibilities of the medical director.