October 10, 2007
MINUTES
Kidney Care Quality Alliance Steering Committee
October 10, 2007
Conference Call
Attendees
| ANNA | Gail Wick |
| DaVita | LeAnne Zumwalt |
| FMC | Ray Hakim |
| NKF | Dolph Chianchiano |
| National Partnership for Women and Families | Devon McGraw |
| RPA | Allen Nissenson |
| Administrative Arm Patton Boggs | Karen Thiel, Julie Black |
Summary
The co-chairs reported on the status of the NQF endorsement process and the possibility of a measure development collaboration with the AMA Consortium.
Approval of Minutes
Upon revising the mention of the updated KDOQI guidelines, members approved the October 10, 2007, meeting minutes.
Report on NQF Steering Committee-Recommended Measures for Endorsement
The KCQA Steering Committee co-chairs indicated that the NQF is moving the ESRD quality measures forward to be voted on by its membership. The NQF ESRD Steering Committee did not advance any hemoglobin measures.
Report on Status of Phase II Measure Development Collaboration with the AMA Consortium
Dr. Hakim and Ms. Wick relayed that they participated in a conference call with Karen Kmetik and Erin Kaleba from the AMA to discuss a possible collaboration between KCQA and the AMA Consortium. KCQA provided the staff with KCQA’s draft guidelines for a collaboration. Dr. Kmetik and Ms. Kaleba agreed to gather AMA members’ opinions on the guidelines. Ultimately, the AMA Consortium declined to pursue a partnership with KCQA in order to focus on testing its first phase of ESRD measures.
Dr. Nissenson reminded the committee that the RPA Board decided that they will not participate in physician measure development led by the KCQA. He noted the difficult position RPA finds itself in working with two organizations with similar goals. Members asked Dr. Nissenson to seek clarification as to whether RPA can engage as a bystander or in any way in the KCQA process. One member suggested that the RPA might participate should the KCQA develop only facility-level measures. Members expressed varying opinions on changing KCQA’s charge in this way. The Steering Committee also noted that the pediatricians are developing their own measures and agreed that the KCQA should reconfirm their involvement in KCQA measure development.
Staff reminded the committee that Gary Puckrein suggested that the Steering Committee form a work group focused on minority populations in the ESRD community. The members responded that we should engage with Mr. Puckrein to clarify his concerns. One member indicated that Keith Norris, who conducts health outcomes and public health modules through an NIH grant, might be able to consult with KCQA on such issues.
Next Steps
The Steering Committee will convene via teleconference on Wednesday, November 7, from 10-11 am EDT.
