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HB 1183

TO CREATE THE REGISTERED DIALYSIS PATIENT CARE TECHNICIAN ACT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Bentley and 1 co-sponsor

The Registered Dialysis Patient Care Technician Act ensures DPTs in Arkansas are trained, certified, and registered, enhancing patient safety during hemodialysis treatments.

Notification that HB1183 is now Act 198
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Bill Summary · HB 1183

Summary of House Bill 1183: Registered Dialysis Patient Care Technician Act

Bill Number: HB 1183
Status: Now Act 198
Introduced: January 21, 2025
Sponsors: Representative Bentley, Senator C. Penzo

Purpose and Intent

The Registered Dialysis Patient Care Technician Act aims to enhance the health, safety, and welfare of the public by establishing a regulatory framework for dialysis patient care technicians (DPTs) in Arkansas. The act seeks to ensure that DPTs are adequately trained and certified to provide safe and effective care during hemodialysis treatments.

Key Provisions

1. Definition and Scope

  • The act defines a dialysis patient care technician as an individual who meets specific educational and training requirements to assist in the administration of hemodialysis under the supervision of a licensed registered nurse.

2. Registration Requirements

To register as a dialysis patient care technician, individuals must:
- Hold a high school diploma or GED.
- Be employed as a DPT, enrolled in a training course, or have completed a training course that meets national standards.
- Obtain national certification by passing a certification exam within 18 months of employment.
- Recertify at intervals requiring 30 to 40 patient contact hours.
- Submit an application and pay a fee to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

3. Registry Creation

  • The Arkansas State Board of Nursing will maintain a Dialysis Patient Care Technician Registry that includes:
    • Full name of the technician.
    • Any felony or misdemeanor convictions.
    • Certificates of training and national certification.

4. Regulatory Oversight

  • The Board has the authority to refuse, suspend, or revoke registration based on:
    • Criminal convictions.
    • Unprofessional or unethical conduct.
    • Failure to comply with registration requirements.

5. Exemptions

  • The act does not require DPTs to register as medication assistive persons and does not apply to those working directly under a licensed physician.

Impact

The implementation of this act will primarily affect:
- Dialysis Patient Care Technicians: Establishing a clear pathway for certification and professional standards.
- Healthcare Facilities: Ensuring that facilities employing DPTs comply with the new regulations and maintain a qualified workforce.
- Patients: Enhancing the quality of care received during hemodialysis treatments, thereby improving patient safety and outcomes.

Procedural Timeline

  • January 21, 2025: Bill filed.
  • January 27, 2025: Amendment #1 adopted.
  • February 11, 2025: Bill reported correctly engrossed.
  • February 18, 2025: Passed by the House and returned with amendments.
  • February 24, 2025: Senate amendment #1 concurred in.
  • February 27, 2025: Bill notified as Act 198.

This act represents a significant step toward professionalizing the role of dialysis patient care technicians in Arkansas, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and certifications to provide safe and effective patient care.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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