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Dialysis Technician Training in Idaho

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is responsible for providing oversight to dialysis providers in the state. Like many states, Idaho does has not created its own guidelines for technician training and certification; however, the Department does provide its own interpretation of federal requirements and provides links to relevant websites. The official Medicare conditions for coverage of dialysis clinics can be found by clicking here. Patient care technician requirements start on page 271.

Dialysis clinics that operate in unregulated states have been complying with similar state regulations for many years. Technicians in these states may already meet the federal certification requirements. Individuals who wish to become dialysis technicians in unregulated states may discover that they need to pursue certification if they wish to remain employed. Fortunately, most clinics provide the training needed to provide quality care and successfully pass one of many certification exams available. Since the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) covers around 80% of the costs associated with dialysis treatment, few dialysis facilities can afford to lose federal funding via noncompliance.

CMS regulations 494.140 (e)(1-4) require that patient care technician training and certification requirements comply with these regulations:

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

Aspiring technicians have many options as far as certification exams are concerned. A technician may be allowed to select which exam they wish to take or may be required to take the exam that is specified by the employer. Ultimately, the new certification requirement is a small hurdle compared to the laws in other healthcare careers. In addition, dialysis technicians are allowed to work for up to 18 months before they are required to pass a certification exam.

Approved national certification organizations 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

Many years ago, the federal government created eighteen non-profit organizations that were tasked with ensuring high quality dialysis treatment throughout the United States. Each of these networks was given jurisdiction over one to six states where they are required to collect and analyze data, encourage rehabilitation, and serve as a resource for both patients and practitioners. Idaho has been grouped together with Alaska, Montana, Oregon, and Washington in Network 16.

Idaho Dialysis Technician Training and Career Links

1. Bear Lake Memorial Hospital
2. Davita
3. DSI Renal
4. Fresenius Medical Care
5. Idaho Kidney Center
6. Tri-State Memorial Hospital

State Contact Information

Phone:          (208) 334-6626
Fax:               (208) 364-1888
Email:           fsb@dhw.idaho.gov

3232 W. Elder St, P.O. Box 83720     Boise, ID 83720-0009

Web Site:     Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

National Network:   Network 16