Instant Access to the Dialysis Technician Salary Details You Need to Advance Your Career.

Dialysis Technician Training in Arkansas

The task of locating the state laws regarding dialysis technician training in Arkansas can be a challenge. States differ on how much oversight they provide for dialysis facilities. Some states have no laws governing dialysis and they allow private-sector businesses to establish training expectations while other states have passed legislation that outlines dialysis facility protocol in precise detail. End-stage renal dialysis facilities in Arkansas generally fall under the jurisdiction of the Arkansas Department of Health.

The Arkansas Department of Health has established some rules and regulations for perfusionist which may apply to a dialysis technician. According to the rules and regulations outlined in Ark. Code Ann. 17-104-101 et seq., perfusion includes hemodialysis. Because of this classification, a dialysis technician may be required to become licensed by the state prior to beginning work. Extensive details can be found by visiting the document linked to in this paragraph. It is recommended that individuals contact the Department of Health directly if they have further questions.

In addition to understanding the state laws relating to dialysis technician training and certification in Arkansas, it is important for individuals to understand the recent requirements established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

CMS regulations 494.140 (e)(1-4) state that the patient care technician training and certification requirements in Arkansas must meet these guidelines:

1. Meet all applicable state requirements for:
   • Education
   • Training
   • Credentialing
   • Competency
   • Standards of practice
   • Certification
   • Licensure
2. Have a High School Diploma or equivalency
3. Complete an approved training program that includes the following subjects:
   • Principles of dialysis
   • Care of patients with kidney failure
   • Possible complications of dialysis
   • Water treatment and dialysate preparation
   • Infection control
   • Safety
   • Dialyzer reprocessing
4. Certification by a State or National Program within 18 months of employment

Now that the CMS regulations require all dialysis technicians to be certified in order for facilities to receive payment, it is more important for individuals to know their certification options. Dialysis technicians should inquire with the director of their facility about specific requirements prior to completing an examination. In general, a technicians will be required to work as a dialysis technician for a period of time prior to seeking certification.

Nationally recognized certification options include the following:

1. The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC)
   • Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) Exam
2. The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT)
   • Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) Exam
3. The National Nephrology Certification Organization, Inc. (NNCO)
   • Certified in Clinical Nephrology Technology (CCNT) Exam
   • Certified in Biomedical Nephrology Technology (CBNT) Exam

In 1978, Congress established 18 non-profit networks that are responsible for tracking the quality of dialysis care in the United States. These regional networks each have jurisdiction over one to six states where they promote rehabilitation, collect data, process patient complaints, resolve conflicts, and act as a resource. Arkansas is part of Network 13 along with Louisiana and Oklahoma. Here you can find information about the Arkansas Dialysis Facilities where a technician can receive training.

Arkansas Dialysis Technician Training and Career Links

1. Fresenius Medical Care
2. Arkansas Children’s Hospital
3. Baptist Health Medical Center
4. Washington Regional Medical Center
5. Davita
6. Dialysis Clinic, Inc
7. Arkansas Nephrology Services
8. NEA Baptist Clinic
9. U.S. Renal Care

State Contact Information

Phone:          (501) 661-2000
Toll-Free:    (800) 462-0599
Email:           adh.hfs@arkansas.gov

4815 W Markham St     Little Rock, AR 72205

Web Site:     Arkansas Department of Health

National Network:   Network 13