CMS SOM App. H, Tag V598

(1) …Services include, but are not limited to, the

following: (vii) Identifying a plan and arranging for emergency back-up dialysis services

when needed.

Interpretive Guidance § 494.100(c)(1)(vii):

The dialysis facility is responsible for identifying a plan and arranging for timely emergency

back-up dialysis whenever needed by the home dialysis patient. Examples of when back-up

dialysis may be necessary include (but are not limited to): when the patient’s home dialysis

equipment is non-functional, the water quality is not within AAMI standards, the patient’s

medical conditions warrant a change in modalities, or, a PD patient requires peritoneal catheter

replacement and temporary HD. Back-up dialysis should also be available in the event of the

need for respite of either the patient or the caregiver.

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The facility should assist each home dialysis patient in developing a personal disaster plan that

identifies actions to take in the event of a natural or other disaster affecting their home

treatment.

The dialysis facility must inform each patient/caregiver of the availability and location of back-up dialysis if equipment fails or if dialysis at home is not possible. The back-up dialysis plan

should provide dialysis services that are equivalent to a certified facility.