CMS releases new guidance for COVID-19 prevention in dialysis facilities
CMS released updated infection control guidance on April 8 for healthcare facilities aimed at preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), including new instructions for dialysis facilities on isolating and protecting patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Patients living with ESRD are immunocompromised and require regular dialysis treatments, making them particularly susceptible to complications from COVID-19. According to CMS’ guidance, to help dialysis patients receive care services from home, with CMS approval, Medicare-certified dialysis facilities may offer home dialysis training and support services. The guidance lists the steps these facilities would need to take, including the completion of a CMS form 855A (Medicare enrollment application) and CMS form 3427 (ESRD application and survey and certification report), to add home dialysis training and support services.
The new guidance also allows ESRD facilities to apply for a special purpose renal dialysis facilities (SPRDF) certification. The establishment of SPRDFs will allow renal dialysis facilities to treat patients who test positive for COVID-19 in separate locations. CMS will review SPRDF certification requests and consider the impact of COVID-19 in the facility’s geographic area before approving these requests.
In addition to the new instructions for dialysis facilities, CMS’ guidance also details updated infection control requirements based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations for healthcare professionals treating COVID-19 patients in the following settings:
- Ambulatory surgical centers
- Community mental health centers
- Comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities
- Critical access hospitals
- Federally qualified health centers
- Hospitals
- Intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities
- Outpatient physical therapy or speech pathology clinics
- Psychiatric hospitals
- Psychiatric residential treatment facilities
- Rural health clinics
More information on these changes is available on CMS’ website.