MINUTES
Kidney Care Quality Alliance Steering Committee
July 20, 2007
Conference Call

Attendees

Summary

The Steering Committee approved the revisions made to KCQA’s adequacy of dialysis measures in the harmonization process with CMS. Members discussed submitting KCP comments during the NQF ESRD Steering Committee comment period. ASPN’s representative reported that the organization will develop pediatric ESRD measures.

Approval of Minutes

The Steering Committee approved meeting minutes from June 22, 2007, and July 19, 2007. Members also approved the July 16 minutes upon correction of the date.

Review of Harmonized Adequacy of Dialysis Measures

Members reviewed the measures that the KCQA ESRD-Measure Expert Work Group harmonized with CMS and Arbor Research. The Steering Committee, noting that NQF will only endorse measures that meet its conditions, agreed that KCQA should reject the revisions only if a clinical justification exists.

Pediatric ESRD Measures

Dr. Barbara Fivush informed the Steering Committee that ASPN has been approached by government officials and others to develop pediatric ESRD measures, including at least one physical-level measure.  She reported that she is sharing information as a courtesy and told the Steering Committee that ASPN will likely submit the measures for endorsement through the Ambulatory Care Quality Alliance (AQA) because the NQF process is long-underway.

Update on Quality of Life Satisfaction Survey

Dr. Allen Nissenson indicated that the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) submitted the CAHPS patient satisfaction survey for endorsement by the NQF.  He reported that the NQF has recommended endorsement of the measure.  Members noted that KCQA submitted quality of life measures to NQF; however, they were rejected by the NQF ESRD Steering Committee.  The KCQA Steering Committee discussed suggesting a patient satisfaction tool other than CAHPS through the NQF comment period.  Dr. Nissenson volunteered to collect KCQA comments.  Patton Boggs administrators will coordinate the effort with Dr. Nissenson.  

Next Steps

The full Kidney Care Quality Alliance will meet on August 1, 2007, at noon EDT. The Steering Committee will meet on August 23, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. EDT.