Jenkins’ bill would simplify, speed up independent accreditation of dialysis centers

Republican U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins of Kansas on July 6 introduced a proposal that would provide independent accreditation for dialysis centers under Medicare and hasten patient access to newly opened facilities.

H.R. 3166, which is co-sponsored by Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), and informally known as the dialysis accreditation bill, would amend the Social Security Act to provide faster independent third-party, high-quality accreditation and surveys of facilities under the Medicare program.

“The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) classifies the inspection of new dialysis centers a ‘Tier III’ priority, meaning that facilities must wait months or even years to receive CMS certification,” Jenkins said.

And without CMS accreditation, she said “most insurance plans will not cover patient visits to [a] site, rendering it largely impotent.”

By changing the Medicare program, Jenkins added, “folks on dialysis won’t have to feel the pinch of bureaucratic red tape preventing them from receiving this necessary medical treatment.”

On the same day it was introduced, H.R. 3166 was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee.