The mission of the Network includes helping dialysis and transplant facilities to improve the level of care provided to patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). We accomplish this through providing:
- Education
- Resources
- Technical assistance
We are also involved in the collection and validation of information about persons with ESRD. This information is collected through a variety of means including:
- EQRS (The old CROWNWeb)
- The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)
Please review the topics provided on this website for more in-depth information. If you cannot find the resources you seek online, please contact our office.
Click on your ESRD Network name below to electronically complete and submit your MOU with the Network:
If there have been any changes in key personnel or their contact information has changed, please complete the form below and follow the instructions on the bottom of the form to return it to the Network.
Facility Closure
Emergency Preparedness
One of the major barriers to coordinated and effective care in dialysis facilities is poor communication between:
- Patients and facility staff.
- Nephrologists and primary care physicians.
Open lines of communication enhance patients':
- Satisfaction and experience of care.
- Adherence to treatment protocols, including:
- Medication regimens.
- Dietary restrictions.
- Dialysis schedules.
- Ability to self-manage their chronic condition(s).
- Adoption of preventive behaviors, including:
- Getting immunizations.
- Infection control practices, including hand and vascular access washing.
Staff's ability and willingness to listen and empathize can have a profound effect on patients' health outcomes and the provision of quality of care.
The following tools are intended to assist dialysis facilities with improving communication between patients, staff and physicians.
Improving Communication Tools
- From the Patient's Point of View: 10 Ways to Connect
- From the Patient's Point of View: Professionalism—Why is it Important
- Professionalism and the Patient Experience
- Nothing About Me without Me: Including Patients in QAPI and Governing Body Meetings
Patient Experience and Empathy
Facility staff may find the following videos to be helpful in working through difficult situations with patients:
- Empathy: The Human Connection to Patient Care
- Brené Brown on Empathy
- Say This, Not That: Patient Experience from Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center
- We are ALL the Patient Experience from The Beryl Institute
Staff Communication Patient Audit Tool (PDF) and Materials
This audit tool and supporting materials can be used to receive feedback from in-center hemodialysis patients regarding how and when staff are communicating with them before, during, and after treatment. This easy to implement quality improvement activity can be used to identify areas for better staff and patient communication on the treatment floor and to enhance patient engagement and the experience of care.
The attached tools include:
- Communication Audit Patient Instructions
- Communication Audit Tool Staff Instructions
- Communication Audit Tool
- Communication Audit Tool Sample
- Communication Audit Patient Instructions—Spanish
- Communication Audit Tool—Spanish
- Communication Audit Tool Sample—Spanish
We're Not Being Nosy—We Care!
Is a one-page tool that can used to remind patients of important situations that they should update their care team about.
Retaliation
These resources can be used to educate patients and staff regarding building a culture of safety in which patients do not fear retaliation:
- Retaliation for Filing Grievances—Does It Exist? Tip Sheet and Team Activity (PDF)
- Universal Behavior Precautions—PowerPoint. This PowerPoint presentation:
- Helps facilities to recognize situations that impact potential verbal and physical abuse by a patient or visitor toward staff.
- Provides tools to help facilities de-escalate potentially volatile situations.
- Why Am I Cold—Poster. This poster addresses some of the reasons patients may feel cold during treatment, ways they can deal with that, and recommends that staff be informed if the patient is uncomfortable.
- Why Am I Cold—Brochure. This brochure addresses the reasons patients may feel cold during their treatment and some ways they can deal with that.
- Building Trust—Patient Tip Sheet. This document provides tips for building patient-staff trust.
- This is short Retaliation Team Activity asks the question, "Do patients think differently than staff do about the issue of retaliation?"
- Thriving without Fear: Managing Retaliation
- Thriving without Fear: Managing Retaliation (Spanish)
Other Resources
Coalition for Compassionate Care of California
This website is a statewide partnership of regional and statewide organizations, state agencies, and individuals working together to promote high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care for all Californians.
Caring Information
This Web site is an initiative of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and provides a wide range of free materials about end-of-life care including State Specific Advance Directive Documents.
Aging with Dignity
This is a private, non-profit organization that offers resource and information in 28 different languages for people who are aging with a serious illness.
Additional Resources
- Coalition for Supportive Care of Kidney Patients
- Pathways Project Change Packet
- Planning Today for Tomorrow's Healthcare: A Guide for People with Chronic Kidney Disease
- NKF: When Stopping Dialysis Treatment Is Your Choice
- RPA: Clinical Practice Guideline on Shared Decision-Making in the Appropriate Initiation of and Withdrawal from Dialysis
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)—Effect of End of Life Care Planning Discussions on Hospice Use Among Patients Receiving Dialysis for Kidney Failure
- Implementing Advance Care Planning for dialysis patients: HIGHway project
- Home Dialysis Central—Advance Care Planning, End Of Life Decisions, & Religious Views On Stopping Dialysis
- CMS Medicare Hospice Benefits: English | Spanish
- NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease—Conservative Management for Kidney Failure
EQRS is a web-based data-collection system that allows Medicare-licensed facilities to transmit ESRD-patient data electronically to Medicare (CMS). Access to EQRS is restricted to registered users who have completed security training. Data that is submitted into EQRS is manually entered at the facility level or is “batched” transmitted directly from dialysis-corporation databases.
What can EQRS do?
EQRS provides facilities with a means of reporting their patient and facility data directly to CMS in real-time. The system allows users to:
- Admit, track, and discharge patients.
- Complete CMS forms, such as the CMS-2728 Medical Evidence and CMS-2746 Death Notification forms.
- Submit clinical data including vascular access and lab info to CMS.
- Submit vaccination data via the Vaccination Module.
Accessing EQRS
Users must register in order to gain access to EQRS. For additional information, help, tutorials, education and more please visit www.MyCROWNWeb.org or contact your local ESRD Network.
Resources
-
Tips for Completing CMS 2728 and CMS 2746 Forms Timely
Use this tip sheet to dispel myths and develop processes to complete 2728 and 2746 forms on time. -
EQRS Patient Discharge Guidelines
This resource provides guidance on the different discharge categories in EQRS and possible scenarios for use. -
ESRD Network Contact Information
Contact information for your ESRD Network can be found here. -
EQRS Online Educational Resources
MyCROWNWeb.org offers many different training and educational tools to help new and experienced users of CROWNWeb and QIMS. -
EQRS Online Help
Online help tool for EQRS users.
The resources below offer support for the ESRD QIP, Dialysis Facility Compare (DFC), Star Ratings, and Dialysis Facility Reports (DFRs) for performance assessment and improvement.
End stage renal disease (ESRD) quality improvement activities (QIAs) are designed to assist dialysis facilities and transplant centers to achieve optimal clinical outcomes and experience of care for all dialysis and kidney transplant patients. The Network's QIAs are focused on enhancing the quality of service for Medicare beneficiaries by:
- Gathering information systematically to clarify issues or problems.
- Implementing interventions to achieve improvements.
- Measuring quality outcomes.
- Incorporating the patient voice in all activities to maximize learning
and cooperation between providers and patients through shared decision-making. - Supporting the spread of best practices.
Resources
- ESRD Quality Incentive Program (QIP)
- ESRD QIP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- ESRD QIP Summary Payment Years 2019–2024
- ESRD QIP Measure Specifications
- Other CMS QIP Educational Materials
- Medicare Care Compare—Dialysis Facility Compare
- Medicare Compare Patient Educational Resources
- Dialysis Facility Compare Social Media Toolkit for Dialysis Centers
- ICH-CAHPS
Dialysis Facility Reports Website
DialysisData.org houses the DFRs and the DFC Reports that include information about directly actionable practice patterns such as dose of dialysis, vascular access, and anemia management, as well as patient outcomes (such as mortality, hospitalization, and transplantation) that can be used to inform and motivate reviews of practices.
Annual DFRs and quarterly DFC Reports are made available to facilities, State Survey Agencies, and Regional Offices online at dialysisdata.org which replaces the old DialysisReports.org website. Only authorized users can access the reports.
Facilities can use the DFR and DFC reports to assist in their quality improvement efforts; state surveyors use the DFR data when deciding which facilities to survey. Facilities are given a chance to preview and comment upon these reports. The quality measures from the reports are posted on the Dialysis Facility Compare website which is used by dialysis patients to review and compare characteristics and quality information on dialysis facilities in the United States. Facilities are also assigned a Star Rating which is solely based on a bell-curve comparison to other facilities.
General Notes About Accessing DFRs and DFC Reports
- Facility Administrators are designated as Master Account Holders (MAH) for the Dialysis Data website and are responsible for setting up other user’s accounts for this website.
- Each year all facility-user accounts (including those of the MAH) are disabled. Shortly thereafter, Facility Administrators receive updated passwords and information for enabling existing and new users and setting permissions for all users (including themselves.)
- University of Michigan Kidney Epidemiology and Cost Center (UM KECC) oversees the Dialysis Data website and, with help from Networks, oversees the process of providing IDs and Passwords, and accessing the DFRs.
- FAQs can be found on the Dialysis Data website regarding the login process, general information, and the Star Ratings associated with DFC measures.
- Sample reports as well as the methodology and technical documentation can be found on the dialysisdata.org website.
Questions should be directed to the UM KECC helpdesk by sending an email to DialysisData@umich.edu or calling 855.764.2885.
National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)
The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is a secure, internet-based system which tracks healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). NHSN provides data to identify problem areas and measure progress of prevention efforts, with the ultimate goal of eliminating HAIs. Participation in NHSN reporting is part of the ESRD Quality-Incentive Program for in-center dialysis facilities treating more than 10 patients.
Enrollment Requirements
In order to access NHSN, facilities need to be set up in NHSN, and individuals need to register as users. This is a multi-step process that requires the completion of online training, installation of a digital certificate, and the submittal of both electronic and paper forms. The entire process can take 2-3 weeks to complete. Below are resources to assist with enrollment:
- CDC Webinar on NHSN Enrollment (pdf)
- NHSN Enrollment Checklist (pdf)
- Enrollment Instructions from the CDC Website
Data to be reported on NHSN
Each month, facility users must log on to NHSN to indicate their patient census and the results of dialysis-event surveillance. In general, infection events would include:
- IV antimicrobial starts
- Positive blood cultures
- Pus, redness, or increased swelling at the vascular access site
The following resources can assist dialysis facilities in reducing infection rates.
- 4 Ways to Get Ahead of Sepsis
- BSI QAPI Form
- Caring For Your Dialysis Catheter (English)
- Caring For Your Dialysis Catheter (Spanish)
- CDC Audit Tools
- Environmental Surface Disinfection in Dialysis Facilities: Notes for Clinical Managers
- NHSN Newsletters
- Stop! Sticker: Antibiotic Order
- Patient Resources—NW 7
- Patient Resources—NW 15
- Patient Resources—NW 17
- CDC Clean Hands Count Campaign
- Conversation Starter to Prevent Infections in Dialysis Patients
- Sepsis Zone Tool: My Plan to Identify Infection and/or Sepsis
- Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Tool for Hemodialysis Facilities
- AHRQ Safety Program for ESRD Facilities—Toolkit
Reducing Long-Term Catheter (LTC) Use
Following are links to tools that will assist you in achieving your LTC reduction goals:
Catheter Tracking Form
- This Catheter Tracking form (XLSX) tracks the number of catheters in the facility by month. Use this tracker when completing your monthly reporting to the Network via Survey Monkey link.
- QAPI QIA LTC Monitoring Form (PDF) tracks the number of patients >90 days who are eligible and who have been referred for a permanent access, and for discussion of progress toward goals during QAPI meetings.
CDC Resources
- CDC Catheter Care Tools
- CDC Catheter Exit Site Tools
- Audit Tool: Catheter Exit Site Care Observations (For monthly reporting.)
- Checklist: Hemodialysis Catheter Exit Site Care
- CDC Infection Protection Tools Page
This page includes additional links to all CDC infection protection tools, including core interventions, the Scrub-the-Hub Protocol, all audit tools and checklists, as well as clinician education.
Other Provider Resources
- Vascular Access Consultation Appointment Sheet
This appointment sheet is a helpful way to remind and encourage patients to seek a vascular access consultation. - Vascular Access Options (English/Spanish)
This patient handout illustrates the vascular access options for patients. Review this handout with your patients upon admission to educate them on dialysis access types and to help keep track of their next vascular access appointment. - Vascular Access Manager Job Description (PDF) A sample job description for staff offering suggested roles and responsibilities of a Vascular Access Manager (VAM). This tool is designed to assist facilities in designating the role of a VAM to a staff member for more efficient tracking and monitoring of vascular accesses.
- Helping Patients Cope with Needle Fear (PDF) This one-page document explains the reality of needle fear and offers tips for staff in helping to reduce the fear of needles.
Patient Resources
- Hemodialysis Vascular Access (English/Spanish)
The resource lists the advantages and disadvantages to each hemodialysis vascular access type. Use this handout to educate patients and staff members about the different vascular access types. - Sepsis Zone Tool
This one-page document specifies and categorizes symptoms of sepsis and actions to be taken if those symptoms manifest by green—No Signs of Infection, yellow—Caution, and red—Medical Alert. - Sepsis Zone Tool—Spanish
This one-page document specifies and categorizes symptoms of sepsis and actions to be taken if those symptoms manifest by green—No Signs of Infection, yellow—Caution, and red—Medical Alert. - Additional Tips for Needle Fear (English/Spanish) This document offers strategies to help patients overcome the fear of needles so they can use their permanent dialysis access for dialysis treatments.
The HSAG ESRD Networks, on behalf of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), want to make sure that all patients have access to dialysis care in an outpatient setting. No facility takes lightly the involuntary discharge of a patient. Challenging patient situations are often the result of unresolved issues involving both the patient and staff, where each has an expected responsibility.
In the unlikely event that your facility is faced with making a decision about involuntarily discharging a patient, you must abide by the parameters set forth in the Conditions for Coverage. You should also call your respective Network regarding the issuance of a 30-day notice or immediate involuntary discharge at:
- Network 7 at 813.383.1530
- Network 13 at 405.942.6000
- Network 15 at 303.831.8818
- Network 17 at 415.897.2400
- Network 18 at 818.696.7040
All efforts to work with the patient and avoid a discharge should be documented in the patient’s medical record.
Difficult Staff-Patient Situations: De-Escalation in the Dialysis Unit (Presentation for dialysis facility staff training)(PDF)
This presentation can assist with teaching facility management and floor staff to:
- Identify contributing factors and indicators significant in patients or caregivers who may become difficult or violent.
- Use measures, techniques, and effective communication skills to decrease the likelihood of violent behavior from occurring and to de-escalate or defuse an explosive situation.
- Improve staff knowledge and skill in communicating with and caring for the difficult and/or potentially violent patient or caregiver.
Safety is No Joking Matter
This poster highlights the importance of safety in your facility and that comments and actions are taken seriously. The poster is available in both English and Spanish.
Network 7
- English letter size (8.5 x11)
- English tabloid size (11 x 17)
- Spanish letter size (8.5 x11)
- Spanish tabloid size (11 x 17)
Network 17
- English letter size (8.5 x11)
- English tabloid size (11 x 17)
- Spanish letter size (8.5 x11)
- Spanish tabloid size (11 x 17)
Resources
- Addressing Abusive Behaviors in the Dialysis Center
- Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Involuntary Discharge (IVD) Form. This form can be used by Network 7 dialysis facilities to notify the Florida AHCA about the possible IVD or Involuntary Transfer (IVT) of a dialysis patient.
- Behavioral Agreements—Things to Consider
- Can You Ever Be Discharged From Your Care?—Network 7 (English/Spanish)
- Can You Ever Be Discharged From Your Care?—Network 15 (English/Spanish)
- Can You Ever Be Discharged From Your Care?—Network 17 (English/Spanish)
- Conflict Resolution Tip Sheet
- The National Forum of ESRD Networks: Decreasing Patient-Provider Conflict (DPC) Project Overview
- DPC Provider Manual
- ESRD NCC DPC Addendum 2022
- Dialysis Facility Compare
- Information and Recommendations for Challenging Dialysis Placements—Network 7
- Information and Recommendations for Challenging Dialysis Placements—Network 17
- Involuntary Discharge: Alternative Strategies to Address Behaviors
- IVDs: V-Tags and Interpretive Guidance—Network 17
- Managing Patients' Challenges at Dialysis
- Professionalism in the Dialysis Facility
- Universal Behavioral Precautions: Techniques of Verbal De-Escalation—Network 7 Presentation
- Universal Behavioral Precautions: Techniques of Verbal De-Escalation—Network 17 Presentation
- V-Tags and Interpretive Guidance on Patient IVD
- When Patients Don't Come to Dialysis
Involuntary Discharge (IVD) Guidelines and Checklist
Use these guidelines and IVD checklist when considering IVD for one of your patients. The checklist must be completed and returned to the Network within two business days of an IVD being completed.
The Network frequently receives calls regarding the process of involuntarily discharging a patient. It is important first to note that involuntary discharge (IVD) should be an option of last resort. Additionally, discharging a patient for "non-compliance" is not an acceptable reason for discharge per the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Conditions for Coverage. Patients who are non-compliant are at higher risk for morbidity and mortality.
Before considering an IVD, the facility interdisciplinary team (IDT) should conduct a thorough assessment of the situation and develop a plan to address any problems or barriers the patient may be experiencing. In the event that all options have been exhausted, the Network has several recommendations for the IVD process provided in the guidelines offered in the document below. An IVD Checklist is also included detailing the required steps to use for your facility. Please select your region below.
Network 7—Guidelines and Checklist (PDF)
Network 13—Guidelines and Checklist (PDF)
Network 15—Guidelines and Checklist (PDF)
Network 17—Guidelines and Checklist (PDF)
Network 18—Guidelines and Checklist (PDF)
If you have a new facility that is opening, follow these steps:
- Complete the HSAG ESRD Networks’ new facility form via this link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/HGSBK3L
- Email the HSAG Network Data Manager at ChrysWilliams@hsag.com when the form has been completed.
- The Network will enter the facility in EQRS.
- Begin registering users in HCQIS (Healthcare Quality Information System) Access Roles and Profile so that your staff will have access to EQRS. For more information about registering users go to harp.cms.gov.
- Submit the following as soon as you start seeing patients (prior to receiving Medicare license):
- Memorandum of Understanding
- Enter patient data in EQRS as needed. This includes admits and discharges, the CMS-2728, CMS-2746, and clinical data. Click here for more information.
- Once you receive your CMS letter approving your participation in the ESRD program, email a copy of the letter to the HSAG Network Data Manager at ChrysWilliams@hsag.com.
Resources
- End Stage Renal Disease Quality Reporting System (EQRS) (Formally known as CROWNWeb)
EQRS is a web-based data-collection system that allows Medicare-licensed facilities to transmit ESRD-patient data electronically to Medicare (CMS). Access to EQRS is restricted to registered users who have completed security training. Data that is submitted into EQRS is manually entered at the facility level or is “batched” transmitted directly from dialysis-corporation databases. - National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)
CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network is the nation’s most widely used healthcare-associated infection tracking system. NHSN provides facilities, states, regions, and the nation with data needed to identify problem areas, measure progress of prevention efforts, and ultimately eliminate healthcare-associated infections. - Conditions for Coverage
CMS ESRD Conditions for Coverage (CfCs). CMS develops CfCs that healthcare organizations must meet in order to begin and continue participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. These minimum health and safety standards are the foundation for improving quality and protecting the health and safety of beneficiaries.
The following links are external to HSAG. Should any link not work, please notify Sherry Berg at sberg@hsag.com.
National Kidney Foundation (NKF)
- Dining out with Confidence (English / Spanish)
- Nutrition and Chronic Kidney Disease (English / Spanish)
- Nutrition and Hemodialysis (English / Spanish)
- Nutrition and Peritoneal Dialysis (English / Spanish)
- Nutrition and Transplant (English / Spanish)
- Limit Phosphorus (English / Spanish)
- Limit Potassium (English / Spanish)
- Kidney Disease and Protein (English / Spanish)
- Limit Sodium (English / Spanish)
- Kidney-Friendly Recipe Book (English / Spanish)
More nutrition resources, including kidney-friendly superfoods, are at the A to Z Health Guide (English / Spanish). Click Patient Education Library links for additional pintable brochures & flyers.
Other
- American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) Nutrition Pocket Guide (English / Spanish)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Tips for People with CKD (English / Spanish)
- Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) Dining on a Budget (English)
- Spanish/English resources from the DPC Education Center
- Kidney Community Emergency Response (KCER) 3-Day Emergency Kidney Diet (English / Spanish)
Dialysis Facility Scorecard
Contact your HSAG ESRD Network to obtain your facility's Scorecard. Have questions about the measures? See the Scorecard Measure Specifications.
- Scorecard Measure Specifications
- Facility Scorecard Orientation PowerPoint Presentation
- Facility Scorecard Orientation Recording
Resources
- Conditions for Coverage
- CMS Survey and Certification Policies and Memos
- ESRD Program Interpretive Guidance
- Guidance to Laws and Regulations for Transplant Facilities
- Survey and Certification Enforcement
- Model for Improvement
- 5-Diamond Patient Safety Program
- Always Use Teach Back!
- Quality Improvement Toolkits
- Kidney School
- Patient Care Technician Certification
- ICH CAHPS
American Kidney Fund
The American Kidney Fund is dedicated to ensuring that every kidney patient has access to health care, and that every person at risk for kidney disease is empowered to prevent it. The site offers patient programs, kidney disease education, and professional education.
American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA)
The mission of the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) is to promote excellence in and appreciation of nephrology nursing so we can make a positive difference for people with kidney disease.
American Society of Nephrology
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is a nonprofit corporation to enhance and assist the study and practice of nephrology, to provide a forum for the promulgation of research, and to meet the professional and continuing education needs of its members.
American Society of Pediatric Nephrology
The American Society of Pediatric Nephrology is an organization of pediatric nephrologists and affiliated healthcare professionals. Our primary goals are to promote optimal care for children with kidney disease through advocacy, education, and research; and to disseminate advances in clinical practice and scientific investigation.
American Society of Transplantation
The American Society of Transplantation (AST) is dedicated to research, education, advocacy and patient care in transplantation. Our goal is to offer a forum for the exchange of knowledge, scientific information and expertise in the field of transplantation.
Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) is a unique alliance of over 6,000 members united by the common goal of increasing the understanding and beneficial use of medical instrumentation.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) official website with links to CMS programs, initiatives, information, and resources.
Coalition for Supportive Care of Kidney Patients
The Coalition for Supportive Care of Kidney Patients brings together like-minded people who care deeply about the quality of compassionate, supportive care for kidney patients. We are professionals from many disciplines and laypersons who are working for true patient-centered care that values quality of life. The website includes education, helpful links, and resources.
Donate Life America
Donate Life America is a not-for-profit alliance of national organizations and state teams across the United States committed to increasing organ, eye and tissue donation.
ESRD National Coordinating Center
The End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) National Coordinating Center (NCC) provides support at the national level for the Medicare ESRD Network Program. This website includes education, tools, and resources for both patients and providers, including those related to vascular access, decreasing conflict, and emergency preparedness.
Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, & community efforts.
Florida Department of Health Disease Reporting Information
All practitioners, hospitals and laboratories licensed in Florida are required to notify the Department of diseases or conditions of public health significance under section 381.0031, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 64D-3, Florida Administrative Code.
Florida Division of Vocation Rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a federal-state program that helps people who have physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. VR is committed to helping people with disabilities find and maintain employment and enhance their independence. VR has additional specific programs designed to help eligible people with disabilities become employed.
Forum of End Stage Renal Disease Networks
The Forum of ESRD Networks is a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of its membership and coordinates projects and activities of mutual interests to ESRD Networks.
Home Dialysis Central
Home Dialysis Central is a one-stop, online source of up-to-date, unbiased information about home dialysis—in all its forms—for people with kidney disease, their families, and the healthcare professionals who provide kidney disease care.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases conducts and supports research on many of the most serious diseases affecting public health.
National Kidney Foundation
The National Kidney Foundation is the leading organization in the U.S. dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease for hundreds of thousands of healthcare professionals, millions of patients and their families, and tens of millions of Americans at risk.
Nephrology News and Issues
This website offers a unique opportunity to cover and offer commentary on stories while they are still developing, giving the renal community a resource for the latest developments in renal care.
Renal Physicians Association
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) conducts, supports, and coordinates research on many of the most serious diseases affecting public health. The Institute supports clinical research on the diseases of internal medicine and related subspecialty fields, as well as many basic science disciplines.
United Network for Organ Sharing
United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is the private, non-profit organization that manages the nation's organ transplant system under contract with the federal government. UNOS is involved in many aspects of the organ transplant and donation process.
United States Renal Data System
A national data system, which collects, analyzes and distributes information about end stage renal disease in the United States.
Why Promote Gainful Employment?
Working promotes improved quality of life for patients and increases patient positivity by:
- Creating routines
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Boosting self-esteem
- Increasing:
- Income
- Independence
- Promoting a sense of purpose
- Enhancing social interaction
- Reducing risk for depression
Best Practices
- Offering appointment times that accommodate patients’ work schedules.
- Educating patients and families about the benefits of working and avoiding disability, when possible.
- Partnering with local EN/VR programs.
- Referring patients to the Ticket to Work program, when local EN and/or VR programs are unable to provide services to patients.
- Enhancing efforts to educate patients, family, and staff by posting educational bulletin boards and hosting Lobby Days.
Resources
- SSA: Working While Disabled—How We Can Help
- California Department of Rehabilitation
- California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC)
- Hawaii Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Hire Abilities Hawaii
- Career One Stop
- Kidney School: Kidney Failure and Your Work Life
- Life Options: A Kidney Patient’s Guide to Working & Paying for Treatment
- Life Options: Renal Rehabilitation—Bridging the Barriers
- NKF: Employer’s Guide
- NKF: Working with Chronic Kidney Disease
- Home Dialysis—Keeping Your Job When You Need Dialysis
Top Tips for Engaging Patients and Hosting a Successful Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Employment Network (EN) Lobby Day
A one-page tool providing practical advice for organizing and hosting a productive and successful Lobby Day.
Interested in Returning to Work or School? Did You Know ...
A one-page resource for patients that summarizes the benefits of VN and ER services and offers the patient perspective on returning to work and VR.
- Network 7—Interested in Returning to Work or School? Did you know ...
- Network 15
- Network 17—California—Interested in Returing to Work or School? Did you know ...
- Network 17—Hawaii—Interested in Returing to Work or School? Did you know ...
Are You Ready for Work?
This one-page resource helps patients determine if they are ready to go back to school or work.
- Network 7—Are You Ready for Work or School?
- Network 15—Are You Ready for Work or School?
- Network17—Are You Ready for Work or School?
Social Security Administration Resources
The Social Security Administration provides resources for both patients and providers. Patients can attend Work Incentives Seminar Events (WISE) or watch videos about a VR success story. Providers can download marketing materials and toolkits to utilize when educating patients.
Use this toolkit to:
- Create an informational VR bulletin board.
- Help plan and host a Lobby Day in your facility.
- Locate and download additional resources for your interested patients, including videos.
National Coordinating Center (NCC) Resource
Getting Back to Me: A Goal-Setting Journey (PDF)
Use this workbook to help patients identify personal goals and set a plan to achieve them. This resource was developed by kidney patients and family members, designed to help restore a sense of dignity and increase self-esteem through goal setting.
Note: documents in Portable Document Format (PDF) require Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or higher to view, download Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Do you have a concern or grievance?
Do you have a concern or grievance? You may call the Network at any time. Learn more by clicking below.
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