Reducing the use of LTCs for dialysis access is key to provide optimum care for patients. A dialysis patient is identified as having an LTC when he or she has been dialyzed with a catheter for 90 days or longer, regardless of whether the catheter has been replaced. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has set two quality goals for facilities that are linked to the QIP. These quality goals are each hemodialysis facility's AVF/AVG rate should be greater than or equal to 68 percent and each hemodialysis facility's LTC rate should be less than or equal to 10 percent.

The Network will:

• Educate target facilities on the CDC Core Interventions and assist the facilities in implementing these interventions
• Assist facilities in monitoring and tracking their progress towards the reduction of long term catheters
• Monitor the progress of QIA facilities and assist facilities that are unable to progress towards the goal
• Involve patient SMEs and/or caregivers at the facility level in a discussion about infection control practices and ways to feel more comfortable bringing issues to the attention of staff members
• Support facilities in completing the annual National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Dialysis Event Surveillance Training.