Category Archives: Patient Rights

HDC Blog Post re Patient Power

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Home Dialysis Central has published a new blog post on The Power of the Patient Voice that cites many examples of how influential the voices of patients have been in CMS policies and regulations, especially those around home dialysis.  Find the post at https://homedialysis.org/news-and-research/blog/369-the-power-of-the-patient-voice.  In it they mention the ESRD PPS Proposed Rule on Medicare coverage and regulations that CMS publishes every year, and that Home Dialyzors United will next month remind all dialysis patients of your right to comment, and how to do it.  If you’d like to read ahead, find a link to the 2021 PPS Proposed Rule at https://nwrnbulletins.wordpress.com/2020/07/10/9-4-comments-due-re-proposed-changes-to-qip/.

CMS Training on Medicare for People with ESRD

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The CMS National Training Program includes a wide variety of webinars, slide decks, recorded videos, and CE offerings on a spectrum of Medicare-related topics.  Browse their list of topics at https://cmsnationaltrainingprogram.cms.gov/browse-topics?q=browse-topics&name=E.  One of their slide decks is called Medicare for People with ESRD, with sections on eligibility, enrollment, coverage, options, and  additional resources.  Find Medicare for People with ESRD at https://cmsnationaltrainingprogram.cms.gov/?combine=ESRD%20Networks&q=global-search.

NW16 11/6 CNSW Fall Meeting Portland

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The CNSW OR-SW WA Chapter will host a half-day Fall Clinical Nephrology Social Work Meeting on November 6, 2019 in Portland OR.  Speakers will present on disability rights, the Senior Loneliness Line, and the 2-1-1 Helpline.  There will be no CEUs offered for this meeting, but lunch is included, the speakers are excellent, and the networking opportunity is priceless.  Find details, agenda, and registration information at https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/nwrn.org/files/CNSW/CNSW1119.pdf.

6/3 EMR Interoperability Comment Period Extension

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CMS has announced that the comment period for their Proposed Rules on Interoperability of Electronic Medical Records has been extended to June 3, 2019.  The Proposed Rules are aimed at promoting the ability of different health information technologies to communicate with one another, and at enabling patients to electronically access their health information.  Find the Proposed Rules at https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2019/02/11/hhs-proposes-new-rules-improve-interoperability-electronic-health-information.html.

The extension of the public comment period coincides with release, from the HHS Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, of:

For More Information see:

NW18 Patient Grievance Process

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Check out the Network 18 website for some great information on the Network 18 Grievance Process:

  • For Providers, see http://www.esrdnetwork18.org/providers/patient-services/, which includes English and Spanish versions of the Network 18 Grievance Poster, Grievance Brochure, a link to the National Forum of ESRD Networks’ Grievance Toolkit, and a discussion on Preventing and Reducing Involuntary Discharge.
  • For Patients and Care Partners, see http://www.esrdnetwork18.org/patients/grievances/, which includes English and Spanish versions of the Network 18 Grievance Poster, Grievance Brochure, and a packet of Patient Grievance Guidelines and Forms; a discussion of patient and Network Roles and Responsibilities; and a list of California state Department of Health Services offices.

Keep in mind that no patient should ever suffer any retaliation for filing a grievance.  The Network is here to assist facilities and patients in resolving any concerns that may arise, in a collaborative and positive manner.  All facilities are required to:

  • Make sure you have the ESRD Network 18 Grievance Poster prominently displayed in your lobby or another area that is accessible to patients and guests, including a Spanish copy of the Poster.
  • Ensure that all patients understand how to file a grievance with you, with the Network, and with the State.

You can also print some Brochures and pass them out to patients, or have them available in your lobby.

NW16 Patient Grievance Process

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The Network 16 website includes important information about the Network 16 Grievance Process:

  • For Patients and Care Partners: https://www.nwrn.org/patients-a-family/voice.html includes English and Spanish versions of the Network 16 Grievance Poster, Grievance Brochure, links to the National Forum of ESRD Networks’ Grievance Toolkits, and a list of State Survey Agency contacts.

Keep in mind that no patient should ever suffer any retaliation for filing a grievance.  The Network is here to assist facilities and patients in resolving any concerns that may arise, in a collaborative and positive manner.  All facilities are required to:

  • Prominently display the ESRD Network 16 Grievance Poster in your lobby or another area that is accessible to patients and guests, including a Spanish copy if appropriate for your patients.
  • Ensure that all patients understand how to file a grievance with you, with the Network, and with the State.

You can also print some brochures and pass them out to patients or have them available in your lobby.

11/21 Patients as Hostages WIHI

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IHI will present a free November 21, 2017 “WIHI” audio program on When Patients Feel as Powerless as Hostages.  For full details see http://forms.ihi.org/next-wihi-on-november-21-at-2-pm-et-when-patients-feel-as-powerless-as-hostages .

Right to Self-Cannulate

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Home Dialysis Central  has published a thorough summary of the right that a patient has to “be informed about and participate, if desired, in all aspects of his or her care” [42 CFR 494.70(a)(5)], including self-cannulation.  A facility that denies a competent patient the right to be trained to self-cannulate is vulnerable to state survey citation tags V456, V512, and V585.  Find the summary at http://homedialysis.org/news-and-research/blog/214-self-cannulation-a-patient-right-and-cms-expectation-for-interested-and-trained-patients .

DFC Toolkits

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Medicare has published a Dialysis Facility Compare Social Media Toolkit brochure in three versions (for patients or consumers, for dialysis facilities, and for physicians) and two languages (English and Spanish).  They provide graphic and text suggestions for sharing and promoting DFC on social media.  Find copies of them at: