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Patient Advocacy Committee

PAC MISSION STATEMENT

"The mission of the Patient Advocacy Committee is to express the opinions of the ESRD patient population of Network 13 serving the states of Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. PAC members represent the ESRD patient population by actively participating in Network duties designed to promote quality care."

What is the Patient Advocacy Committee?

By Heather Powell, Former PAC Member
The Patient Advocacy Committee (also known as the PAC) is made up of kidney patients and caregivers from Network 13 and was started in the early 1990’s. Network 13 covers the states of Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Arkansas and has one main clinical board, the Medical Review Board (MRB). Under the MRB there are the Patient Services and Grievance Committee, Patient Advocacy Committee, and Quality Improvement Committee made up of patients and professionals. We get our directives from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and work with the facilities that provide care to kidney patients.

The PAC desires to bring about positive changes in the quality of care that those living with kidney disease receive. PAC Mission statement: “to express the opinions of the ESRD patient population of Network 13 serving the states of Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. PAC members represent the ESRD patient population by actively participating in Network duties assigned to promote quality care”. The PAC promotes positive improvements in the quality of care by being a “voice” for all patients. As patients, members serve on different committees so that there is input by patients as educational tools are being developed, quality of care issues occur, and regulations change. PAC members help to keep the kidney patient perspective in mind. In essence, members want to advocate for your concerns and issues regarding your care.

The committee focuses on the Kidney Koncerns newsletter, as a means to communicate important information to you. The educational articles, surveys, and helpful tips are designed with you in mind. Write in and tell us your issues, opinions, and successes. We would love to hear your story! PAC members speak at Network 13 conferences and other meetings to present a “patient’s perspective” to the professionals that provide your care. The PAC also provides feedback on Quality Improvement activities and the impact on patients. Committee members review patient education materials utilized in the Quality Improvement activities. PAC members must call in to two quarterly conference calls per year, and they must also travel to two in-person meetings per year (rotating among Arkansas, Louisiana or Oklahoma). Food and travel expenses are covered by the Network.

The PAC has the task of providing input to Network 13 and the MRB on the concerns and needs of kidney patients. While we are patients ourselves, everyone is different and we understand this. If you have a concern or need, please write or call and let us know. It truly is our desire to serve everyone’s interests. We want to make your life smoother by improving the quality of care that you receive.

If you are interested in being considered as a PAC member, contact us or fill out the nomination form with a member of your facility staff.

Patient Advocacy Committee Nomination Form

Toll free: 1-800-472-8664
Email: info@nw13.esrd.net
Mail: 4200 Perimeter Center Dr Ste. 102 Oklahoma City, OK 73112

We hope to have an impact on positive changes in the care that all kidney patients receive and make lives better for one and all. Your voice can make a difference in the lives of others. Call or write and let your voice be heard!