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Senator Alberta Darling
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March is kidney disease awareness month. State Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) is working on a bill that helps cut the red tape that increases the cost of healthcare for patients with end stage renal disease, an advanced stage of chronic kidney disease. On Thursday, the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services held a public hearing on Senator Darling’s bill to make it easier and cheaper for home dialysis patients.

“Dialysis is a lifesaving treatment for Wisconsinites with advanced kidney disease,” Darling said, “Right now, government red tape is adding to the costs for home dialysis. I am proud to author a bill that can streamline the process for dialysis patients and reduce the cost of health care in our state.”

Many patients with end stage renal disease receive their supplies for in-home dialysis directly from a distribution center. Current law requires dialysis distribution centers to staff a pharmacist, even though the centers only ship pre-packaged dialysis products to patients. The legislation exempts distribution centers from being forced to obtain a pharmacist license if they meet common-sense safety requirements. Senator Darling says her legislation is another example of how getting government out of the way can lower costs for patients.

“The cost of healthcare is a huge issue right now. Unnecessary government regulations increase costs to Wisconsin patients,” Darling said, “This bill removes a burden that lays between patients and their healthcare which will begin to lower costs for patients.”

Senator Darling represents portions of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties.

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