US · guidance
CMS SOM App. Z, Tag E-0040
§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.
History
Rev. 169, Issued: 06-09-17, Effective: 06-09-17, Implementation: 06-09-17
Provenance
- Source
- cms.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-07-22
- Edition
- som-2026-07-22
- Content hash
d3f4daddf4e4105d1ee0ee515ae7b79813f553d07cd7333ed85606ab16f8a1f1
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