History and Purpose

The national End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) program, which extends Medicare benefits to cover the cost of medical care for most individuals suffering from ESRD, was created in October 1972 through the passage of Section 299I of Public Law 92-603.

Modifications to the ESRD program were enacted by Congress four years later in order to improve:

• Cost effectiveness
• Ensure the quality of care provided under the program
• Encourage kidney transplantation and home dialysis
• Increase program accountability.

Additional legislation, PL 95-292, authorized the establishment of ESRD Network areas and Network organizations, consistent with criteria determined by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. This legislation and subsequent rules established health and safety standards applicable to dialysis and transplant centers and required the establishment of ESRD Network Coordinating Councils.

Networks serve as liaisons between the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the providers of ESRD services. Get more information on ESRD Networks from The Forum of End Stage Renal Disease Networks:

• What is the ESRD Network Program?
• General Information

Related Information

• Who We Are
• Network Staff
• History and Purpose
• Goals and Objectives
• List of Services
• Network Committees
• Employment and Volunteer Opportunities