Medicare program; protocol for the reuse of dialysis bloodlines--HCFA. Final rule.

This final rule implements section 1881(f)(7) (B) and (C) of the Social Security Act, added by sections 9335(k) and 4036(c) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Acts of 1986 and 1987. That legislation precludes end-stage renal disease (ESRD) facilities from reusing dialysis bloodlines after July 1, 1988 unless the Secretary has established a protocol for their reuse and the facility follows the protocol. These provisions constitute both a Medicare condition of coverage for ESRD facilities and a condition for payment for dialysis treatment involving reused bloodlines for those facilities which elect to reuse them.