Today, Representative Lynn Jenkins’ (R-KS) bill, H.R. 3166, to provide independent accreditation for dialysis facilities passed the House of Representatives as part of the Medicare Part B Improvement Act of 2017.

“This is another great step in providing independent third party accreditation for dialysis centers,” said Congresswoman Jenkins. “I am pleased to see this legislation passed with bipartisan support and is now headed to the United States Senate. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation as it will help folks get the care they desperately need.”

Earlier today, Congresswoman Jenkins spoke on the House floor in support of this legislation. Click the link below to watch:

(WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXbQqoMb-x8&feature=youtu.be) 

House Floor Speech:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3178, the Medicare Part B Improvement Act of 2017 which includes my legislation, the Dialysis Certification Act.

Kansas currently ranks among the top three longest wait times for dialysis center surveys. The lack of manpower at the state administrative agency that contracts with CMS for the surveys have left some clinics waiting 2 years for a certification. This bill gives dialysis providers the opportunity to receive surveys and certifications from a CMS approved third-party accreditor, much like hospitals are able to do now. Those third-party organizations must demonstrate their standards are as good as or are better than those standards used by CMS and the Secretary must approve them.

I toured several clinics in my district last year.  I was frustrated to learn that a state-of-art clinic necessary to fill a need in Topeka, for ESRD patients has been waiting 2 years for an initial survey, and a clinic in Pittsburg, Kansas, has been waiting for 250 days. Without these clinics, patients are forced to find clinics much further away, which depending on access to transportation can be a barrier to treatment. That is unacceptable and this problem will be easily solved by this provision.  

I want to thank my co-sponsor, Congressman John Lewis, the Energy and Commerce Committee and Ways and Means Committee Chairmen for quickly moving this bill to the House for action. This provision will allow dialysis clinics across America to more easily obtain a survey so they may serve patients that depend on their care.

Thank you and I yield back the balance of my time.

Notes:

• More information on Congresswoman Jenkins’ legislation: https://jenkins.house.gov/press-releases/rep-jenkins-introduces-bill-to-streamline-cms-accreditation-for-dialysis-centers/
• How this legislation can help dialysis centers in Kansas: http://www.wibw.com/content/news/Kansas-rep-introduces-bill-to-get-new-dialysis-facilities-open-433024783.html