Clarification of Medical Director Board Certification Requirements

Memorandum Summary

• Professional board certification is a voluntary process by which a physician (or other professional) demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills beyond minimal standards. The Medicare Conditions for Coverage (CfCs) for End-Stage Renal Disease facilities at 42 CFR §494.140(a)(1) require dialysis facility medical directors to be a physician who is “board-certified’’ in internal medicine or pediatrics, has completed a board-approved training program in nephrology, and has at least 12 months of experience providing care to patient receiving dialysis.

• This memo is clarifies that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expects the board certifying the physician to be a nationally recognized professional board, while not explicit on the particular Board from which certification must be obtained.

• CMS is clarifying in this guidance the expectations for determining compliance with the requirements at 42 CFR §494.140(a)(1).