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Dialysis Technician Training in Louisiana

The Department of Health and Hospitals enforces regulations relating to dialysis technician training and certification within the state of Louisiana. The standards for dialysis facilities can be found in Chapter 84 of the Louisiana Medical Licensing Program. Dialysis technician training must reflect the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) standards of practice. Technicians must complete a high school diploma or equivalent, a facility orientation program, and pass a training program.

ANNA standards include the following:

• anatomy and physiology of the renal system
• principles of water treatment
• dialyzer reprocessing
• basics of nutrition in renal failure
• ethical issues
• communication and interpersonal skills
• CDC standard precautions
• concepts and principles of hemodialysis
• arteriovenous puncture
• use of heparin
• use of isotonic saline
• maintenance of the delivery system
• observing and reporting complications
• post-treatment access care
• disposal of supplies
• cleaning of equipment and the treatment area

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has additional requirements that must be followed if the dialysis facility wishes to receive federal reimbursement. Due to the high costs associated with dialysis, nearly all clinics in the United States depend on federal funds in order to continue operating. The primary objective of these regulations is to ensure that facilities are employing qualified and competent individuals to carry out the responsibilities of a dialysis technician.

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

1. Meet all state requirements for:
   • Education
   • Training
   • Credentialing
   • Competency
   • Standards of practice
   • Certification
   • Licensure
2. Have a High School Diploma or GED
3. Complete an approved program that includes:
   • 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

Technicians working in unregulated states have not traditionally been required to pass a certification exam in order to continue working, but with the adoption of the new federal guidelines all dialysis technicians, regardless of the state in which they work, will now need to successfully pass either a state or national certification exam. This is not a major issue for technicians who work in regulated states, but it can be somewhat inconvenient for individuals who have not previously completed certification.

National certification examination options include:

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

Each state in the US is a member in one of eighteen non-profit networks established by Congress in 1978. The purpose for these networks is to provide a means by which the quality of dialysis treatment being delivered across the country can be monitored and evaluated. Each network has jurisdiction over one to six states where they routinely collect data, act as an informational resource for patients, and promote rehabilitation. Louisiana is part of Network 13.

Louisiana Dialysis Technician Training and Career Links

1. American Renal Associates
2. Children’s Hospital
3. Davita
4. Dialysis Clinic, Inc.
5. Fresenius Medical Care
6. Lady of the Sea General Hospital
7. Metropolitan Kidney Centers
8. Reliant Renal Care
9. Willis-Knighton Medical Center

State Contact Information

Phone:          (225) 342-9348
Fax:               (225) 342-0157
Email:           Hedra.Dubea@la.gov

P.O. Box 629     Baton Rouge, LA 70821-0629

Web Site:     Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals

National Network:   Network 13