Recently, the CMS Center for Clinical Standards and Quality/Survey and Certification Group sent out the following memorandums related to the ESRD recertification surveys:

1. Filling Saline Syringes at the Patient Treatment Station – ESRD facilities may not fill syringes with saline from the single dose saline bag or IV tubing connected to the patient at the dialysis station. This guideline became effective as of July 2, 2017.
2. Cleaning the Patient Station – To prevent cross contamination, a dialysis station should be completely vacated by the previous patient before the ESRD staff may begin cleaning and disinfecting the station for the next patient. Patients should not be moved from the dialysis station until they are clinically stable.
3. Hepatitis C (HCV) Screening Exception – All infection control recommendations developed by the CDC and referenced in the Conditions of Coverage for ESRD must be followed with the exception of HCV screening.