Dialysis Center Regulations

Dialysis is a medical process that removes dissolved substances, such as waste products, from a patient's body. Dialysis centers perform this procedure. States regulate these facilities in various ways. Wyoming, Ohio and Tennessee, for example, have regulations relating to dialysis centers. The regulations cover the licensing of such centers and aspects of their operation.

Licensing

• In Wyoming, operators of dialysis centers need to obtain a state license, by submitting an application form and fees, to run these facilities. The facilities must also have trained staff. The state may revoke a facility's license in Wyoming if it does not follow the regulations.

  In Tennessee, too, operators must submit an application form and fee to get a license to run a dialysis center. The state will inspect the facility to make sure it is in compliance with rules before renewing its license.

Disease Control

• In Ohio, state regulations require the operators of dialysis centers to develop a policy for responding to adverse events. Ohio dialysis centers must report adverse events to the government, including any event requiring patient hospitalization or involuntary discharge, or any development of communicable disease.

  Wyoming rules require dialysis centers to conform to all laws relating to communicable diseases. Also, the centers should not have any deficiencies that create a hazard to patient safety or welfare. In Tennessee, dialysis centers must have a program to prevent and control infectious diseases, including written infection control policies.

Personnel Records

• Tennessee regulations require dialysis centers to keep records on all staff members. The record must show that the employees are qualified for the jobs they hold. In Wyoming, the dialysis centers must keep personnel records and designate one person who is responsible for making sure the records are kept confidential.