18.135.062 - Renal dialysis training task force -- Development of core competencies. - Washington Statutes

Renal dialysis training task force — Development of core competencies.

The secretary of health is authorized to establish a task force to assist in the development of core competencies and minimum training standards for mandatory training programs to be utilized by renal dialysis facilities for training hemodialysis technicians as health care assistants pursuant to chapter 22, Laws of 2001. The secretary shall appoint to the task force persons knowledgeable in renal dialysis practice, including nephrologists, dialysis nurses, patient care hemodialysis technicians, dialysis patients, and other individuals with expertise. The secretary may appoint succeeding advisory task forces for reviewing and updating future requirements as necessary.

[2001 c 22 § 4.]

Notes: Finding -- 2001 c 22: "There are concerns about the quality of care dialysis patients are receiving due to the lack of uniform training standards for hemodialysis clinical personnel working in renal dialysis facilities in this state. Currently, hemodialysis technicians are trained by the facilities, and most facilities have established training programs providing from six to eight weeks of ongoing training. Training is not standardized and varies among facilities. Some facilities offer no on-site training. National studies indicate that renal dialysis facilities avoid costs by reducing staffing levels and substituting untrained technicians for professional nurses generally in response to inadequate medicare reimbursements. These studies also suggest a resulting increase in patient morbidity and mortality.

     The legislature finds that the regulation of hemodialysis technicians will increase the level of professionalism in the state's renal dialysis facilities, providing increased quality assurance for patients, health care providers, third-party payers, and the public in general. The legislature declares that this act furthers the public health, safety, and welfare of the people of the state." [2001 c 22 § 1.]