This regulation requires ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease) dialysis facilities to provide patients with orientation and training on the facility's emergency preparedness policies and procedures, including evacuation protocols, communication procedures, and identification of alternate treatment sites. Facilities must ensure patients understand how to respond during emergencies, including safe disconnection from dialysis machines if evacuation is required. Surveyors verify compliance by reviewing implemented policies and interviewing patients about their emergency preparedness orientation.
View official sourceE-0040 (Rev. 169, Issued: 06-09-17, Effective: 06-09-17, Implementation: 06-09-17) §494.62(d)(3) Condition for Coverage: Patient orientation: Emergency preparedness patient training. The dialysis facility must provide appropriate orientation and training to patients, including the areas specified in paragraph (d)(1) of this section. Interpretive Guidelines for §494.62(d)(3). ESRD facilities are required to implement an orientation and training program which educates patients on the emergency preparedness policies and procedures of the facility, including the requirements of the ESRD facility’s emergency preparedness training program under §494.62(d)(1). For instance, the orientation and training program should include how patients would be notified of an emergency; what particular procedures they are expected to follow; communication protocols for contacting the ESRD facility and identifying an alternate location for their treatment in the event of a facility closure as well as shelter-in place. Additionally, patients should be oriented to how they would evacuate the facility (if required) and the location of potential transfer sites or services. For instance, if an emergency situation required evacuation during a dialysis treatment, the facility must train the patient on how to safely disconnect from the machine. Additionally, in this example, if the patient was disconnected, the patient should be informed that he or she will be transferred to another facility or hospital to complete the dialysis (if required). Ultimately, the emergency preparedness orientation and training for patients should adequately address scenarios which were identified in the ESRD facility’s risk assessment and address specific actions required for the emergency situation. The orientation and training program is intended to ensure patients are informed, ready to assist themselves, and are aware of the facility procedures and resources (e.g. KCER) that can provide up to date information during and after an emergency. Survey Procedures • Verify the ESRD facility has implemented their policies and procedures and are actively providing orientation and training of all their patients for the emergency preparedness program. • Interview a patient and ask them to describe their orientation to the facility in terms of emergency protocols and procedures.