In a letter to Acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner, HDU president Richard Berkowitz and Denise Eilers, RN, BSN, chair of the group's Public Advocacy Committee, said the proposal has merit as long as patient input is taken seriously.

Home Dialyzors United (formerly NxStageUsers) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support home dialysis patients with chronic kidney failure. In his letter, Berkowitz said it was important for patients to become equal partners in their care by being given "a place at the table and, more importantly, are able to have their voices heard and heeded. Networks must not become another layer of bureaucracy that simply give lip service to the idea of shared decision making." He cited the importance of patient education via Network initiatives to make sure patients can get involved.

Read the complete comments from Home Dialyzors United here.