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ESRD Quality Improvement Act of 2002
(Introduced in House)[H.R.5141.IH]
CONGRESSMAN INTRODUCES DIALYSIS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ACT Congressman Pete Stark (D-CA) introduced a bill in mid-July called the ESRD Quality Improvement Act. The bill recognizes the importance of quality dialysis therapy for the over 300,000 ESRD patients by placing an ESRD quality improvement program in statute. The Act would establish a quality oversight role for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The 17 ESRD Networks would also be responsible for certain oversight duties. The Act's dialysis initiatives would: Create a Work Group that provides for input to the Department of Health and Human Services from patient representatives, dialysis providers and the ESRD Networks. Identify and recognize outstanding dialysis facilities and physicians. Identify and sanction persistently deficient dialysis facilities and physicians. Identify and analyze serious medical errors and injuries that occur in dialysis facilities. Compare risk-adjusted dialysis outcomes data per physician and facility to ESRD clinical goals and to local, regional and national averages. Determine a uniform minimum frequency for dialysis facility inspections. To pay for the extended work for the ESRD Networks, a 50-cent per treatment fee would be paid by the HHS Secretary for the first 30 months of treatment. Dialysis facilities would begin picking up the cost in the 31st month. Mr. Stark continues to be a strong proponent of increased quality of care for dialysis patients. This bill contains his recommendations on how to build upon current quality initiatives and ensure continued quality care in today's healthcare system. |