HB1183
To Create The Registered Dialysis Patient Care Technician Act.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill establishes the Registered Dialysis Patient Care Technician Act in Arkansas. It aims to enhance public health, safety, and welfare by regulating the accurate, cost-effective, and safe utilization of dialysis patient care technicians in hemodialysis administration. The act defines a dialysis patient care technician and outlines the tasks they can perform, including direct patient care and hemodialysis administration, under the supervision and delegation authority of a licensed registered nurse. To become registered, individuals must possess a high school diploma or GED, be employed or enrolled in an approved training program, and obtain national certification within eighteen months of employment. The registration process involves submitting an application to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, paying a fee, and disclosing any felony or misdemeanor convictions, though not all convictions will disqualify an applicant. The bill also details grounds for refusal, suspension, or revocation of registration, including fraud, unprofessional conduct, and violations of the act. A registry of registered dialysis patient care technicians will be maintained by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. Finally, the act clarifies that it does not require registration as a medication assistive person or apply to technicians working directly with physicians.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are patients receiving hemodialysis in Arkansas, who are expected to benefit from increased standards of care and safety due to the formal registration and certification requirements for their technicians. Dialysis patient care technicians themselves would also benefit by having a recognized professional designation, potentially leading to standardized training, career advancement opportunities, and increased job security. Healthcare facilities providing dialysis services could benefit from a clearer framework for employing and utilizing these technicians, ensuring compliance with state regulations and potentially improving operational efficiency.
Who Might Suffer?
The groups most directly and negatively impacted by this bill are individuals who wish to work as dialysis patient care technicians but may not meet the newly established educational or certification requirements, potentially creating barriers to entry into the profession. Existing dialysis patient care technicians who have not yet obtained national certification or completed an approved training program may face a deadline to comply or risk their employment. Additionally, the Arkansas State Board of Nursing would incur new administrative responsibilities and costs associated with establishing and maintaining the registry, processing applications, and enforcing the provisions of the act.