Dialysis Technician Training in Rhode Island
There are no regulations in Rhode Island that greatly alter dialysis technician training and certification requirements. There is language in the legislation created by the Department of Health that relates to personnel in kidney disease clinics. This legislation simply states that dialysis facilities need to have sufficient qualified personnel to offer effective patient care. Personnel are required to wear photo identification which shows the first name, licensure or registration, and staff position.
Dialysis technicians working in the state of Rhode Island are required to comply with federal regulations despite the fact that the state has not adopted laws specific to technicians. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has been tasked with the responsibility of reimbursing dialysis facilities for approximately 80% of the costs associated with dialysis treatment. They do this because most end stage renal disease patients cannot afford to pay for their own care and because most health insurance companies are unwilling to issue policies for such an expensive procedure.
CMS regulations 494.140 (e)(1-4) state that the patient care technician training and certification requirements must have the following expectations…
- Meet all applicable state requirements for:
- Education
- Training
- Credentialing
- Competency
- Standards of practice
- Certification
- Licensure
- Have a High School Diploma or equivalency
- 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
- Certification by a State or National Program within 18 months of employment
In general, dialysis facilities provide their own technician training programs that are tailored to the responsibilities that a technician will have within a specific clinic. These programs typically last from 30 to 90 days and include both clinical experience and classroom instruction. In most cases, the training program must include topics that are essential to the provision of competent care and meet commonly accepted standards of practice. New technicians are encouraged to contact their local clinic to find out more about the details of the training program and the certification options available to them. Technicians in Rhode Island are required to become certified within 18 months of hire.
National certification options include:
- The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC)
- Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) Exam
- The Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology (BONENT)
- Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CHT) Exam
- The National Nephrology Certification Organization, Inc. (NNCO)
- Certified in Clinical Nephrology Technology (CCNT) Exam
- Certified in Biomedical Nephrology Technology (CBNT) Exam
The level of quality in dialysis therapy being offered to end stage renal disease patients in the United States is routinely monitored by eighteen non-profit networks created by Congress in 1978. The role of these renal networks is to collect data, develop reports, encourage rehabilitation, provide patient education, and support facility personnel. Rhode Island is included in Network 1 with Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Rhode Island Dialysis Technician Training and Career Links
State Contact Information
Phone: (401) 222-5960
Email: Contact Form
3 Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02908
Web Site: Rhode Island Department of Health
National Network: Network of New England
I have 5 years experience in the past as a Certified Nursing Assistant. I just completed a CNA program through 911 technical training institute and am awaiting my state test. My goal is to become a Renal Dialysis Technician but need training. If you could offer any information I’d be very Grateful. Thankyou, Jill Musco