The National Dialysis Accreditation Commission offers a specialized accreditation program developed exclusively for the dialysis industry, by seasoned dialysis professionals. NDAC is approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to grant deemed status for End‑Stage Renal Disease facilities, providing a recognized path to Medicare certification.
Types of Care We Help Accredit
NDAC currently accredits nationwide, our surveyors evaluate a range of dialysis care models:
- In‑center hemodialysis
- Home peritoneal dialysis training & support
- Home hemodialysis training & support
- In‑center peritoneal dialysis
Figures reflect NDAC's current facility survey data and may include facilities offering more than one service type. See our Locations for the full, searchable list.
Benefits of NDAC Accreditation
Dialysis providers that choose NDAC benefit from a range of operational and regulatory advantages:
- Faster time‑to‑market for new clinic approvals
- Predictable survey intervals — NDAC re‑surveys every 36 months, unlike some delayed state surveys
- Prompt reviews for service additions and station expansions
- Consistent surveyor interpretation
- Experienced surveyors who are experienced dialysis nurses
- Outside validation of your quality of care, risk management, and safety practices
- Enhanced readiness for compliance and continuous improvement
Consistent Survey Processes and Ongoing Regulatory Oversight
NDAC's survey processes mirror CMS protocols, including timelines for survey reports, plans of correction, and resolution of deficiencies. This ensures predictability, regulatory consistency, and ongoing survey readiness.
Unlike state agencies, which may delay surveys for several years, NDAC is required to resurvey each accredited facility within 36 months, ensuring accountability and ongoing quality oversight.
Accreditation Standards and Regulatory Compliance
The National Dialysis Accreditation Commission accreditation standards are well‑aligned with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Conditions for Coverage for End‑Stage Renal Disease dialysis provider community. A distinguishing feature of NDAC’s standards is the integration of the latest and most recent recommendations from the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). These include updated, more stringent thresholds for microbiological and endotoxin levels in water and dialysate. By adhering to these industry‑recognized benchmarks, NDAC supports enhanced infection control and evidence‑based water quality practices, promoting improved patient safety and outcomes.
Interpretive Guidelines for Dialysis Accreditation
Prior to the initiation of an NDAC accreditation survey, all dialysis providers receive a copy of our Interpretive Guidelines. These guidelines provide comprehensive, plain‑language explanations of each accreditation standard, designed to facilitate understanding and implementation by both clinical and administrative staff.
The NDAC Interpretive Guidelines ensure national consistency in survey expectations and reduce variability among surveyors and geographic regions. This consistency strengthens provider confidence, reduces uncertainty, and improves survey readiness—key components of successful dialysis facility accreditation.
State Licensing and Recognition of NDAC Accreditation
NDAC collaborates with state licensing agencies in 26 of the 27 states with dialysis facility licensing laws, as well as Puerto Rico, to support regulatory compliance and quality oversight. In states that recognize NDAC accreditation for licensing purposes, NDAC surveys may fulfill state licensing resurvey requirements, reducing duplicative inspections and administrative burden while maintaining consistent oversight and accountability.
Life Safety Code Survey Compliance
In accordance with CMS regulations, NDAC accreditation includes requirements for compliance with the National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code. While the majority of ESRD facilities qualify for LSC survey waivers, NDAC is fully equipped to conduct comprehensive LSC evaluations when required.
These assessments are performed by experienced Life Safety Code surveyors who possess specialized knowledge of dialysis facility infrastructure and regulatory requirements. LSC surveys are scheduled promptly and executed efficiently, helping providers avoid delays in achieving or maintaining full accreditation status.
Summary
NDAC delivers a nationally consistent, clinically current, and CMS‑compliant accreditation model for dialysis providers. Our use of updated AAMI standards, interpretive clarity, and efficient coordination with state licensing authorities sets us apart as a trusted partner in regulatory and clinical excellence.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're opening a new dialysis clinic, expanding services, or seeking a trusted accreditation partner — NDAC is here to help. Contact NDAC Today to schedule a consultation or request an application package.
NDAC’s five‑step path to accreditation and deemed status.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Where Your Journey to Accreditation Begins
Connect with the NDAC team to discuss your facility type, operational goals, and anticipated timeline. During this initial phase, NDAC will explain the accreditation process and outline the next steps tailored to your facility’s specific needs. This early coordination helps establish clear expectations and supports alignment with NDAC standards and regulatory expectations.
Step 2: Execute the Accreditation Services Agreement
The Turning Point Toward Deemed Status
Sign the NDAC Accreditation Services Agreement to formally initiate the accreditation process. The agreement establishes the legal and operational framework for the partnership between your facility and NDAC and define the responsibilities, expectations, and compliance requirements associated with accreditation.
Step 3: Client Onboarding
Submit your application.
The NDAC application documents are submitted along with the survey fee. The application provides NDAC with essential information about your facility, its operations, and the services for which you are seeking accreditation. NDAC, in turn, provides client onboarding materials, including a client manual, standards, and interpretive guidelines.
Step 4: Survey Preparation and Readiness
Confirming Your Readiness
Ensure your facility meets all NDAC accreditation standards, which are closely aligned with CMS Conditions for Coverage and incorporate the 2019 AAMI recommendations for water and dialysate quality. Once your facility is prepared for survey, submit a Letter of Readiness to NDAC, confirming that you are ready to proceed with the accreditation survey.
Step 5: Host the Survey
Earning Your Deemed Status
Host the NDAC survey. Every survey is conducted by experienced dialysis nurses with regulatory and clinical expertise. During the survey, NDAC evaluates your facility’s compliance with NDAC accreditation standards and applicable state‑specific licensing requirements. Any identified deficiencies must be corrected within the CMS‑equivalent timeframe to achieve full accreditation and deemed status.