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News Bulletins 2008 |
| Topic Index |
Topic Index
November 16, 2008 The NKF Council of Nephrology Social Workers (CNSW) will host a free online seminar or "Webinar" on the use of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life survey (KDQOL-36) on December 10, 2008. The Webinar will cover how to use the survey, available resources, and practical experience from the field, with opportunities to ask questions. For full details see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/SW/KDQOL121008.pdf. There are earlier articles on Conditions for Coverage and on Patient Assessment and Care Planning.
CNSW Webinar on KDQOL-36 Scheduled for December 10, 2008TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
November 13, 2008 The Northwest Renal Dietitians Association is collaborating with the Canadian Association of Nephrology Dietitians for their 2009 annual conference March 5-6 in Vancouver BC. Details, preliminary program, call for posters, and a travel stipend application can be found at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/NWRD09.doc. There are earlier articles on Professional Meetings.
Dietitians Conference March 2009 - Call for PostersTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
November 6, 2008 The FDA has announced a class 1 recall of Tyco Healthcare (Covidien) 1cc 31-guage ReliOn insulin syringes, because of mislabeled dosages that could cause serious and potentially fatal health consequence. For full details see http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01911.html.
Class 1 Recall of Tyco/Covidien ReliOn Insulin SyringesTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
November 6, 2008 There is a later article on Conditions for Coverage.
Newsletter for Patients on New Federal Rules and Helpful Things to Know
A new issue of Network Consumer News, our patient newsletter, is being mailed this week, on New Federal Rules and Your Care. It discusses changes you'll be seeing at your dialysis facility, and covers patient rights, patient safety, patient involvement, quality of life, patient satisfaction, quality improvement, and treatment options. You can find a copy at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/NCN/NCNv2.2.pdf (2-page format) and http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/NCN/NCNv2.2big.pdf (large-print format).Along with it we're sending a 2-page flyer on Helpful Things to Know, including basic information on Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, the Network Patient Advisory Committee, fistulas and other types of vascular access, comparing dialysis facilities, which dialysis modality works best for you, and how it will improve your health to remain active. Find a copy at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/NCN/Helpful.pdf.
You can find past issues of Network Consumer News, including issues on depression, remaining active, and transplants, at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/NCN.htm. If you aren't receiving copies of Network Consumer News, please let us know. There are earlier articles on Network Consumer News, Patients' Rights, and on Conditions for Coverage.
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November 6, 2008 There are later articles on Conditions for Coverage and on Patients' Rights.
Revised Web Page on Patients' Rights
We've revised our web page that summarizes Medicare patients' rights to bring it up to date with the new Conditions for Coverage. See http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/G/PatientsRights.pdf. There are earlier articles on Conditions for Coverage and on Patients' Rights.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
November 6, 2008 There is a later article on Conditions for Coverage.
CROWNWeb and DFC Open Door Forum November 19
CMS will hold an Open Door Forum on November 19, 2008, covering the current status of CROWNWeb, how it supports CMS goals, and updates to the anemia and survival data on Dialysis Facility Compare (DFC). The use of CROWNWeb is required by the new Conditions for Coverage. For full details see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/DFCODF.htm. For ongoing information about the Conditions for Coverage and CROWNWeb, stay tuned to our Conditions for Coverage page at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/CfC.htm. There are earlier articles on Conditions for Coverage and on CROWNWeb.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
November 4, 2008 We've added a new article to the Network website, on the patient's role in cannulating their fistula. See http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/YourFistulaRole.pdf. There are earlier articles on Vascular Access.
Patients: Your Role in Fistula CannulationTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
October 31, 2008 On November 6, 2008 CMS will host a Special Open Door Forum on Medicare coverage for Patient Education Services on kidney disease for individuals with Stage IV Chronic Kidney Disease or CKD. This coverage is specified in the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA). For details see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/CKDODF.htm. There are earlier articles on CKD and on Patient Education.
CMS Open Door Forum on CKD Patient Education CoverageTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
October 30, 2008 There is a later article on Conditions for Coverage.
Conditions for Coverage Resource - Decreasing Patient-Provider Conflict Toolkit
The DPC Decreasing Patient-Provider Conflict Toolkit includes many excellent resources to help facilities improve Patient Satisfaction and Grievance outcomes in their Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities, as required by the new Conditions for Coverage. The DPC toolkit can be found at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/dpc.htm. We've also added a link from our Conditions for Coverage page at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/CfC.htm. There are earlier articles on Conditions for Coverage and on Communication.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
October 29, 2008 Network Modality Reports for September 30, 2008 show 4.4% dialysis patient census growth over the prior year. Find the September reports at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/modality/mode0908/modality.htm and historical reports at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/modality.htm. Growth was 8.1% in Alaska, 6.8% in Idaho, 6.0% in Oregon, 3.6% in Washington, and -2.2% in Montana. There are earlier articles on Modality Reports.
September 2008 Modality ReportsTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
October 23, 2008 We've added a link to Medicare's web page on "Getting Medical Care and Prescription Drugs in a Disaster or Emergency Area" (http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11377.pdf) to the Network's Emergency web page at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/emergency.htm. There are earlier articles on Emergency Preparedness.
Patient Disaster Info - Getting Prescriptions and Medical CareTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
October 21, 2008 There are later articles on Conditions for Coverage and on Patient Assessment and Care Planning.
New Conditions for Coverage: NKF/CNSW Care Planning Resource Toolkit
The NKF Council of Nephrology Social Workers (CNSW) has released a 40-page CNSW Care Planning Resource Toolkit to assist facilities and social workers in complying with the new Conditions for Coverage care planning requirements. We've put a copy on the Network website at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/CNSWToolkit1.pdf. Monitor ongoing Conditions for Coverage announcements at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/CfC.htm. There are earlier articles on Conditions for Coverage and on Patient Assessment and Care Planning.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
October 10, 2008 There are later articles on Conditions for Coverage and on CROWNWeb.
Conditions for Coverage Impact of CROWNWeb - Important Training Windows
CMS released a document today covering CROWNWeb system requirements, information and training sessions on the CROWNWeb authentication process, and opportunities for future CROWNWeb training. Each facility must designate a Security Administrator, who will receive CROWNWeb authentication training on October 23, 2008. The document has been faxed to Facility Administrators and staff at all Medicare-certified dialysis facilities in our Network. A copy of the document can be found on the Network website at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/CW1008.pdf. The use of CROWNWeb is part of the new Conditions for Coverage. See http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/CfC.htm for our summary page on the new Conditions for Coverage. There are earlier articles on Conditions for Coverage.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
October 3, 2008 There is a later article on Conditions for Coverage.
Conditions for Coverage - New CMS Resources
CMS has published two new resources on the revised ESRD Conditions for Coverage. The first is a list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions compiled from their earlier invitation to submit email questions (see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news_bulletins08.htm#cfc5a). They can be found at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CFCsAndCoPs/downloads/FAQsESRDRolloutFINAL082808.pdf. The second is a "crosswalk" or table of correspondences between provisions in the former Conditions and provisions in the new Conditions. Find this at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CFCsAndCoPs/downloads/ESRDConditionsCrosswalkFINAL080408.pdf. The Conditions themselves, along with other ESRD news, can be found at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/center/esrd.asp and http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CFCsAndCoPs/13_ESRD.asp. There are earlier articles on Conditions for Coverage.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
September 24, 2008 There is a later article on Vascular Access.
Congratulations Network Providers - CMS Recognizes Highest AV Fistula Rates
Northwest Renal Network has received an "ESRD Quality Champion Award" from CMS at the annual QualityNet conference in Baltimore on 8/28/08. The award is in recognition of the highest overall achievement rates in the Fistula First Initiative. This Network leads the nation with 63.6% AVF in use as of July 2008. We applaud your outcomes and encourage you to continue in your quality efforts. Progress toward the 66% CMS and Network goal is posted monthly at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/fist1st.htm#progress. There are earlier articles on Vascular Access.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
September 22, 2008 Adverse events including fatalities continue to occur when the PD Solution Extraneal (Icodextrin) is used with the wrong blood glucose monitors and strips. See http://www.fda.gov/cder/dsn/2008_summer/postmarketing.htm#icodextrin for details, including methods to assure patient safety.
Warning on Icodextrin/Extraneal PD Solution and Blood Glucose MonitoringTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
September 22, 2008 There is a later article on Patients' Rights.
HIPAA Privacy Rules: New Guides for Patients and Providers
HHS has published two new HIPAA Privacy Rule guidance documents - one for health care providers and one for consumers - that discuss when a health care provider may share a patient's health information with the patient's family, friends, and others involved in the patient's care. These new guides answer common questions about these permitted and important communications and target an area of the HIPAA Privacy Rule that is frequently misunderstood by health care providers and patients alike. The provider guide can be found at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/provider_ffg.pdf and the consumer guide at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/consumer_ffg.pdf. For more information visit the OCR Privacy Rule Web Site at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa. There are earlier articles on HIPAA.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
September 15, 2008 There is a later article on Conditions for Coverage.
Water Treatment Calculators
We've placed on our website an MSExcel copy of two Water Treatment Calculators, using the formulas from our Water Manual, for Carbon Tank Empty Bed Contact Time (EBCT) and Flow Rate. The Calculators can be found at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/WaterTreatmentCalculator.xls. The EBCT and Flow Rate calculators are on two separate tabs (worksheets) at the bottom of the spreadsheet window. We've also added links to the calculators from our Conditions for Coverage page at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/CfC.htm and our Quality Improvement page at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/QI/QI.htm. The Manual can be found at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/WaterManual.pdf. There are earlier articles on Conditions for Coverage.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
September 12, 2008 The FDA has announced a class I recall of the LifePak CR Plus Automated External Defibrillator, manufactured by Physio Control, because the device instructs emergency responders by voice prompt to press a button which is not visible. For recall instructions, see http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#LifePakCR. Class I recalls are used when there is danger of serious injury or death. There are earlier articles on Defibrillator Recalls.
Recall of LifePak CR Plus Automated External DefibrillatorTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
September 10, 2008 There is a later article on Conditions for Coverage.
Conditions for Coverage Implementation through Survey and Certification Open Door Forum
On September 18, 2008 at 2 pm ET, CMS will hold an Open Door Forum on the implementation of the new ESRD Conditions for Coverage through the survey and certification process. The effective date of the new regulations is October 14, 2008. The Forum will discuss an overview of the implementation including highlights and timelines, the building of new Interpretive Guidance and other materials, and community outreach and the training of surveyors. There will be time for questions and answers. For details see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/CfCODF1.htm. There are earlier articles on Conditions for Coverage.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
September 9, 2008 On September 10, 2008 CMS will hold an Open Door Forum to announce the convening of a Special Needs Plan Chronic Condition Panel. The Panel will determine the conditions that meet the definition of severe or disabling chronic conditions in accordance with the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, which amends the Social Security Act's definition of a "severe or disabling chronic conditions specialized needs individual" to include those "who have one or more comorbid and medically complex chronic conditions that are substantially disabling or life threatening, have a high risk of hospitalization or other significant health outcomes, and require specialized delivery systems across domains of care." CMS will hold a conference call on September 10, and accept written comments until October 8, 2008. For more details and participation instructions, see http://www.cms.hhs.gov/OpenDoorForums/05_ODF_SpecialODF.asp.
Special Needs Plan Chronic Conditions Open Door ForumTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
August 27, 2008 There are later articles on Conditions for Coverage and on Patient Assessment and Care Planning.
New Conditions for Coverage on Patient Assessments
NKF and ANNA have collaborated to produce a template for responding to the requirement in the new Conditions for Coverage for complete comprehensive, multidisciplinary patient assessments (CMPA) as a first step in the care planning process. The introduction to the template includes succinct lists of the thirteen minimum evaluations and five specifications of an adequate CMPA. The NKF/ANNA template is not meant to be definitive, but only serve as an example of how a CMPA might be organized. The template can be found at http://www.kidney.org/professionals/pdf/ComprehensiveMultidisciplinaryPatientAssessmentFrm.pdf You can also locate it through the link that we've added to our Conditions for Coverage web page at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/CfC.htm. There are earlier articles on Conditions for Coverage and on Patient Assessment and Care Planning.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
August 27, 2008 There is a later article on Conditions for Coverage.
New Conditions for Coverage That Apply to Patient Care Technicians
We've added a page to the Network website that summarizes changes in the new Conditions for Coverage that apply to Patient Care Technicians. See http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/CfCdelPCT.pdf. Our general Conditions-for-Coverage page is at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/CfC/CfC.htm. There are earlier articles on Conditions for Coverage.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
August 26, 2008 CMS is holding a series of Open Door Forum meetings in September to allow interested stakeholders to provide input and recommendations on the ESRD Network program as it moves forward. The CMS Office of Clinical Standards and Quality (OCSQ) is currently evaluating the Network program to assess and increase value, attribution, oversight, and improved outcomes. The meetings will be held at CMS headquarters in Baltimore. Attendees must register, at ESRDNW_StakeholderMeeting2008@cms.hhs.gov. Space is limited. Questions may be directed to Cheryl Bodden at 410-786-6875. ESRD advocates and patients will meet on September 4, 2008. See http://www.esrdncc.org/index/advocates-meeting for the meeting agenda and registration instructions. ESRD providers and facilties will meet on September 11, 2008. See http://www.esrdncc.org/index/providers-meeting for the meeting agenda and registration instructions. ESRD researchers, manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and academic institutions will meet on September 19, 2008. See http://www.esrdncc.org/index/researchers-meeting for the meeting agenda and registration instructions. For more general information on the meetings, see http://www.esrdncc.org/index/stakeholder-meetings.
CMS Meetings on ESRD Network RedesignTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
August 25, 2008 The FDA has received reports of 6 cases of hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis in patients taking Byetta, a medicine given by subcutaneous injection to help treat adults with type 2 diabetes. The FDA advises that Byetta be promptly discontinued if pancreatitis is suspected. For the complete FDA notice, see http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#Byetta.
Warning on Diabetes Drug ByettaTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
August 15, 2008 There is a later article on Vascular Access.
June AVF Rate Increases to 62.7%
The Network AVF-in-use rate for June rose to 62.7%, from 61.9% in December 2007 and 62.0% in March 2008. The Medical Review Board recently raised the Network goal for this rate to 66%, to match the 2009 CMS national goal. An additional 8.7% of Network patients had a maturing AVF in place. The incident-patient AVF-in-place rate for April-June 2008 fell to 36.0%, from 37.0% in the previous quarter. As always, the Network's progress is posted at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/fist1st.htm#progress. There are earlier articles on Vascular Access.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
August 15, 2008 The 2007 Clinical Performance Measures (CPM) results have been posted to the Network website, at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/S/statscpm.htm. In this data (for year-end 2006), Network adequacy is down from the 2006 CPM project (for year-end 2005), but hemoglobin and serum albumin are up a bit. An Outcome Comparison Tool that you can use to see how your facility compares to the Network and the nation is located at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/S/cpm07/HDFacTool.htm. There are earlier articles on CPMs.
2007 CPM ResultsTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
August 13, 2008 There is a later article on Network Consumer News.
New Issue of Network Consumer News on Depression
The August 2008 issue of Network Consumer News is on depression, titled "It's Not All in Your Head." Copies are being mailed to dialysis facilities and transplant centers this week for distribution to patients. The newsletter is also available for download at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/NCN/NCNv2.1.pdf in 2-page format, and at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/NCN/NCNv2.1Big.pdf in 4-page, big-print format. The printed newsletter also contains a form for ordering free educational materials - see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/NCN/FreeEdMats.pdf. There are earlier articles on Network Consumer News and on Depression.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
August 13, 2008 The Network Patient Advisory Committee (PAC) has compiled a list of websites which they've found to be valuable resources for patients. We've added it to our For Patients web page at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/PTS.htm. Find the PAC List at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/PACLinks.htm. There are earlier articles on Patient Advisory Committee and Resources for Patients.
Patient Advisory Commitee Recommends Website Resources for PatientsTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
August 11, 2008 There is a later article on Conditions for Coverage.
ESRD Conditions for Coverage Draft Interpretive Guidelines Posted
CMS invites your review of the Interpretive Guidance that will guide the survey process for the new ESRD Conditions for Coverage. The draft Interpretive Guidelines, can be found at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/downloads/SCletter08-31.pdf. You may submit your comments to the CMS mailbox ESRDSurvey@cms.hhs.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on August 18, 2008. There are earlier articles on State Survey Guidelines and Conditions for Coverage.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
August 10, 2008 Ortho Biotech has announced the voluntary recall of all vials of Procrit epoetin alfa 10,000 U/2mL in lot #P114942A (expiring 12/10) because of a possible threat to sterility. The products are coded 59676-312-xx. You are asked to discontinue use and call Stericycle at 800-668-4391 for return instructions. Find more details in Ortho Biotech's press release and recall notice at http://www.orthobiotech.com/orthobiotech/assets/recall.pr.notice.pdf and http://www.orthobiotech.com/orthobiotech/assets/DHCP0808-recall.pdf. This recall is not related to the earlier articles on EPO Use.
Recall of Ortho Biotech Procrit Epoetin AlfaTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
August 7, 2008 There is a later article on Emergency Preparedness.
Patient Disaster Preparation Updates
The "Disaster Preparation Checklist for Individuals with Kidney Failure," at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/E/disasterprepchk.pdf, has been updated and expanded, and we've added a link to the "3 Days - 3 Ways: Are You Ready?" video at http://www.govlink.org/3days3ways/video/chap1_content.html. The video was created by the 3Days3Ways coalition (http://www.govlink.org/3days3ways/index.htm), a public motivation campaign to help citizens become better prepared for a major event or disaster. There are earlier articles on Emergency Preparedness.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
August 7, 2008 We've updated the State Survey Agency Contacts list found in our Complaints and Grievances section at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/G/ComplaintsGrievances.htm and included in our New Patient Letter at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/welcome.pdf. There are earlier articles on Complaints & Grievances.
State Survey Agency Contacts RevisedTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
August 7, 2008 There is a later article on Modality Reports.
June 2008 Modality Reports
The June 2008 Modality Reports are now available at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/modality.htm. They show 4.2% growth in the Network patient population since June 2007, ranging from a 4.5% drop in Montana to a 10.7% gain in Alaska. Washington and Oregon account for 80% of Network patients and 82% of the 398 new patients. There are earlier articles on Modality Reports.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
August 3, 2008 There is a later article on Vascular Access.
Vein Preservation Articles Added to Network Website
We've added a new section to our Fistula First web page (http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/fist1st.htm) for professional general healthcare practitioners, at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/fist1st.htm#gp, and included three articles from the national Fistula First Breakthrough Coalition (http://www.fistulafirst.org) on protecting veins in patients who are on dialysis or likely to need dialysis in the future. You can find "Vein Preservation and Hemodialysis Fistula Protection" at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/GP/VeinKeep.pdf,
"Recommendations for the Minimal Use of PICC Lines" at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/GP/PICCLine.pdf, and a collection of "Stop" and "Alert" posters and chart inserts on vein protection at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/GP/AlertStop.pdf. There are earlier articles on Vascular Access.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
July 31, 2008 There is a later article on EPO Use.
New FDA Conditions for EPO Use
The FDA has announced modifications to certain sections of the Boxed Warnings, Indications and Usage, and Dosage and Administration sections of prescribing information for Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (EPO, Epogen, Procrit, Aranesp). For details see http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#ESA2. There are earlier articles on EPO Use.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
July 25, 2008 2008 Dialysis Facility Reports have been mailed to Medical Directors and Facility Administrators at all Network dialysis providers. Facilities have until September 7, 2008 to comment on their DFR, at https://secure.arborresearch.org/esrdmeasures, using login IDs and passwords printed on the cover of your DFR. These comments will be included with your report when the DFRs are mailed to State Survey Agencies in September. CMS will also review these comments before they post your facility information on the Dialysis Facility Compare website in November. Note that the website address begins with "https:" rather than "http:", and does not include "www." It would be a good idea to protect your password from unauthorized viewers. There are earlier articles on DFRs.
2008 Dialysis Facility ReportsTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
July 25, 2008 Certain lots of 60ml "Luer-Lok" syringes made by BD Medical, BD product number 309653, are being urgently recalled because sterility may have been compromised during shipping. BD asks that any syringes from the indicated lots immediately be removed from inventory. For the list of lot numbers, full recall instructions, and illustrations of the affected case labels, shelf carton labels, and unit package labels, see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/BDSyringeRecall.pdf.
Recall of BD 60ml "Luer-Lok" SyringesTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
July 23, 2008 The Network 2007 Annual Report is now available for download at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/AR/ARS.htm.
2007 Network Annual ReportTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
July 23, 2008 Minntech has announced the recall of Hach "SteriChek" Total Chloramines and Residual Chlorine Reagent Strips and "Sensitive" Total Chlorine Reagent Strips because some lots have shown inconsistencies that result in inaccurately high or low readings. For lot numbers, recall instructions, and return forms, see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/HachWaterStrip.pdf.
Recall of Hach "SteriChek" and "Sensitive" Water Check Strips for Chloramine and ChlorineTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
July 17, 2008 There is a later article on Professional Meetings.
Pediatric Renal Symposium in Kentucky in September
The 2008 Fall Pediatric Renal Symposium will be held on September 25 and 26, 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky. This annual conference is designed to meet the in-service needs of the pediatric nephrology caregiver, including nurses, social workers, dietitians, child life specialists and nephrologists. The agenda will offer time for networking and sharing between pediatric centers. The conference schedule and registration form can be found at http://www.therenalnetwork.org/home/2008Peds.php. For more information call Bridget Carson at 317-257-8265. There are earlier articles on Continuing Education and Professional Meetings.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
July 15, 2008 There is a later article on Conditions for Coverage.
CROWNWeb - Where to Find Information and Send Questions/Comments
CMS has several groups working on aspects of the development and implementation of CROWNWeb, scheduled for roll out in February 2009. One of those organizations is FMQAI, which also holds a contract for the Florida ESRD Network # 7. FMQAI has established several processes for the renal community to learn more about CROWNWeb including frequently asked questions, system requirements, training modules, and plans for regional trainings to be held around the country. Please visit their website for detailed information: http://www.fmqai.com/ESRD/CROWNWeb. They also are a central coordinator for providing updates to the renal community and collecting feedback for CMS review. Questions, concerns and comments can be emailed to CRAFT@nw7.esrd.net. There are earlier articles on Conditions for Coverage.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
July 11, 2008 There is a later article on Vascular Access.
Fistula First UpdatesThe Network prevalent-patient AVF rate climbed to 62.1% in May, up a fraction since December. The Medical Review Board has raised the Network goal to 66%, to match CMS's goal. As usual, our progress is reported at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/fist1st.htm#progress.
We've updated the peer-comparison and state-comparison graphs at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/fist1st.htm#progress to December 2007, and added two new graphs. The first, at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/07/Progression.htm, shows how our AVF-rate increase over the last five years has come about through reduction of AV grafts. The overall catheter rate has increased by less than two percentage points. The variation between states in these rates is shown at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/07/StProgr.htm.
We've added a new document on "Catheter Reduction - More Ways to Make It Happen" written by our QI Director Lynda Ball for the national ESRD Network Online Resources project. Find it at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/QI/CatheterReduction.pdf.
We've also added two new cannulation documents to our "On Course with Cannulation Tools and Resources for Dialysis Staff" page: "Two-Step Cleaning Protocol for Buttonhole Sites Prior to Cannulation to Prevent Infections" at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/2StepCleaning.pdf and "The Buttonhole Technique Do's and Don'ts of Scab Removal" at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/ScabDoDont.pdf.
There are earlier articles on Vascular Access.
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July 11, 2008 The Northwest Renal Network is co-hosting the Renal Support Network's 2008 Regional Patient Lifestyle Meeting in Bellevue WA on August 17, 2008. The meeting and the included brunch are free for patients and one guest per patient. The theme of the meeting is "Health, Happiness & Hope!" All kidney patients are invited, whether CKD (pre-dialysis), dialysis, or transplant. The meeting will feature long-time kidney patients Sharon Pahlka and Bill Peckham, dialysis pioneer Dr. Suhail Ahmad, kidney researcher Dr. Jonathan Himmelfarb, dialysis nurse Sandra Glenn, and Network staffers Aaron Herold and Sharon Badger. They will speak on Lessons Learned from Experience as a Kidney Survivor, Living Long and Well, Protecting Your Kidneys, Kidney Research, Home Dialysis, and Disaster Preparedness. The poster at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/P/RSNSeattle808.pdf gives more details, including registration instructions. There are earlier articles on patient meetings and on RSN.
Free RSN Seattle Regional Patient Lifestyle Meeting in Seattle Area August 17TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
July 11, 2008 There is a later article on Conditions for Coverage and CROWNWeb.
Network Website Updated for CfC, QI and CROWNWeb
The Network website has recently been updated to include distinct pages to centralize resources. From the links at the top of the opening page of our website, you may visit pages focusing on Conditions for Coverage (final rule, provider resources, links to CROWNWeb information); Quality Improvement (QI processes, Clinical Performance Measures, the Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative and an index of eBulletins regarding clinical issues); and Data Forms (Information on CMS/Network forms, frequently asked questions and CROWNWeb information). See http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/. There are earlier articles on Conditions for Coverage.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
July 3, 2008 The Network has been notified that a contamination of Morton Salt Pellets used by dialysis units to regenerate water softener has been identified. One lot number that has been identified as contaminated is May19AHD. At this time Morton is unaware of any other lot numbers that have been contaminated. The contamination manifests itself as blue flecks in the white salt. The blue can range in color from sky blue to royal blue. The actual contaminant is Yellow Prussiate of Soda (YPS). Morton recommends that all dialysis facilities utilizing Morton Salt Pellets check each lot for contaminants prior to use, and discard any lot containing blue flecks. The effect of YPS on water safety is unknown.
URGENT Water System Alert for Contaminated SaltTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
July 2, 2008 There are later articles on Conditions for Coverage and on Patient Assessment and Care Planning.
New Network News Provider Newsletter Mailed
We've mailed to facilities a new edition of "Network News," our provider newsletter. It includes information on Network activities and structure, DFRs, emergency preparedness, DFC, patient related articles and assessment tools that will be useful in meeting the new Conditions for Coverage, CROWNWeb, and Network resources. The newsletter includes two inserts, an updated Technical Assistance flyer listing the kinds of assistance the Network can provide and a feedback form for facility input regarding the needs of the renal community. You can find this issue of Network News at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/NetworkNews608.pdf, and the revised Technical Assistance flyer at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/TechAssistFlyer.pdf. We're indexing all Network News issues at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/N/NN.htm. There are earlier articles on Network News, on Conditions for Coverage, and on Patient Assessment and Care Planning.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
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Page updated November 16, 2008