Dialysis Technician Training in South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is responsible for establishing dialysis technician training and certification requirements. While there are no official laws specifically addressing technician training requirements, there are a few general personnel regulations. Dialysis facilities in South Carolina must employ sufficient numbers of qualified personnel to actively carry out the roles of the facility. Additional expectations include:
- Written application for employment from all employees
- Personal background check
- A physical examination within one year prior to employment
- Hepatitis B surface antigen test
- Tuberculin skin test
- A direct care personnel to station ratio of 1:4
- Successful completion of a training course
- Maintenance of individual personnel records
Dialysis technicians who intend to work in the state of South Carolina will need to comply with the technician training or certification regulations adopted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS is a branch of the federal government that has been given the responsibility of covering approximately 80% of the costs associated with the delivery of dialysis treatment. Since the majority of facilities in the United States depend on CMS funds, they are all compelled to comply with any federal regulations that are adopted. In general, CMS expectations supersede any state requirements that are less stringent.
CMS regulations 494.140 (e)(1-4) require that the patient care technician training and certification requirements incorporate these standards…
- 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
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) took over the responsibility of reimbursing dialysis facilities for the care that they provide because the costs associated with dialysis can be extremely high and most patients are unable to produce the funds necessary to pay for the care they need. The objective of CMS regulations is to ensure that facilities are providing the most comprehensive care possible and are actively verifying the qualifications of all employees. Those who plan to pursue a career as a dialysis technician should learn about the certification options available to them so that they can demonstrate their competence and meet federal expectations.
These three organizations represent widely recognized certification options:
- 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
In the United States, there are 18 non-profit networks that were created by Congress in 1978 to monitor the quality of treatment being provided by dialysis facilities across the nation. These networks have jurisdiction over one to six states where they are tasked with ongoing data collection and analysis, rehabilitation promotion, patient education, and clinic personnel support. South Carolina has been grouped with North Carolina and Georgia in Network 6.
South Carolina Dialysis Technician Training and Career Links
State Contact Information
Phone: (803) 545-4458
Email: englishtl@dhec.sc.gov
2600 Bull St Columbia, SC 29201
Web Site: Dept of Health and Environmental Control
National Network: Network 6