Quality Priorities

November 18, 2005

MINUTES 
Kidney Care Quality Inititative Steering Committee 
November 18, 2005 
Conference Call

Attendees: 
David Warnock, National Kidney Foundation (NKF)
Mike Lazarus, Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMC)
Gail Wick, American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA)
Bill Henrich, American Society of Nephrology (ASN)
Kent Thiry, DaVita
Linda Keegan, Kidney Care Partners (KCP)
Kathy Lester, Patton Boggs and Kidney Care Partners

Summary 
The Kidney Care Quality Initiative (KCQI) Steering Committee discussed and approved the Guiding Principles, the Work Group deliverables, and the Phase I timeline. Members also proposed a date and place for the mid-December meeting. In addition, there was a discussion about the Work Group process and the current status of the Work Group members.

Discussion of Draft Guiding Principles 
The Steering Committee discussed the draft Phase I Guiding Principles that were based upon principles prepared by the Ambulatory Quality Alliance, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and the Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement. The goal of the document is to build upon the work of these groups and establish principles that take into account the unique needs of the kidney care community. It focuses on the Phase I activities only. After a brief discussion, which included consideration of points raised in an email by Alan Kliger, who could not attend the meeting, members unanimously approved the Guiding Principles, with a few modifications. The final version is attached.

Administrative Issues 
The Steering Committee approved the attached documents outlining the Work Group deliverables and timeline. Members also discussed date and location for mid-December date. December 12, 13, 19, and 20 were offered as potential dates with DC, Atlanta, and Dallas as potential locations. Because of weather concerns, the group asked Ms. Lester to explore the options for a meeting at a hotel near the airport in either Dallas or Atlanta on December 13.

Update on the Work Groups and Work Group Process 
The individuals who had not yet confirmed their participation in the Work Groups were discussed. Steering Committee members agreed to reach out to them again. Ms. Lester reported that Tom Golpher, Donna Mapes, and Sally Burrows Hudson indicated that they would not be able to participate. Thus, Al Collins and Linda Szczech have been invited to participate. The Steering Committee also agreed to invite Bill Peckham to be a member of the Quality of Life/Patient Perspective Work Group.
The Steering Committee discussed the process for the Work Group. Each Work Group will meet by phone approximately 2-3 times during the next couple of weeks. They will be provided with background material and draft documents for approval. They will also have the Guiding Principles with which to steer their work. If a Work Group determines that the Guiding Principles contradict a consensus point in their document, they may raise the concern with the Steering Committee during the mid-December meeting and request a modification.

Next Steps 
Ms. Lester will follow up with the Steering Committee with information about the Work Groups and the mid-December meeting.