COVID-19 UPDATE
C-NET TESTING PROCEDURES DURING THE CURRENT COVID-19 OUTBREAK
As new information becomes available, it will be posted here. Last Updated: 4/01/2021
*Updated Office Hours for C-NET:
New Jersey has posted four phases for state-wide reopening. As of June 15TH 2020, New Jersey has entered PHASE 2. This means that much of
C-NET's staff has now returned to the office. However, until PHASE 2 restrictions are lifted, our staff, phone service, and "in-office" hours will
be limited to comply with the local social distancing ordinance. However, we will continue offering customer service and application processing
by EMAIL between 9 AM and 5 PM EST Monday through Friday.
*C-NET Phone Hours:
As of June 15TH, 2020, C-NET customer service will also be available by phone on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (from 10 AM to 4 PM). For
faster application processing, we currently recommend that you email your application to along with a credit card payment
(VISA or MASTERCARD ONLY).
*Permit Extensions, Expirations, and Retests
At this time, C-NET will grant a free permit extension if you are unable to test before your examination permit expires. If you have an open
permit window, but you are not able to schedule a test date because your testing site is not yet open, please contact C-NET by email no more
than TWO WEEKS before your permit expiration date, and we will extend your testing window free of charge.
*How long until the exam site closest to me reopens?
Please be patient as individual exam site locations must meet both state and local ordinances, as well as rigorous sanitation procedures, before
reopening to the public under social distancing protocols. For more details on specific exam sites, see "TEST SITE INFORMATION" above.
*What if there are no open test sites near me after I've been registered to test?
Naturally, the current outbreak of COVID-19 has caused major disruptions across the United States and the world. Even so, C-NET is dedicated to
getting you tested as quickly and as safely as possible. If there are no exam sites currently available in your immediate area, C-NET will extend
your testing permit upon request and you will not be charged an extension fee. To receive an extension, you must email your request to
no more than two weeks from your permit's expiration date. Also, if your permit has expired anytime within the last three
months, we will be happy to issue you a new one upon request (and free of charge).
*How long can I wait to schedule my examination?
Once you have been registered to test by C-NET, our testing partner, PSI, will email you a scheduling link to active test sites in your area. If you
are able, we suggest you schedule as soon as possible as current social distancing requirements may force some locations to book at only half
of normal capacity. More test sites will continue to open as local quarantine conditions allow.
*What if I show up for my scheduled test date and the testing center is closed?
Our normal procedure requires that you be contacted immediately if there are any changes to a specific test site in which you are currently
scheduled. However, these are unprecedented times and since we prioritize the safety of our candidates first, it is conceivable that an emergency
closure of a site could happen before all scheduled candidates are alerted. Naturally, should this unlikely scenario take place, we ask for your
patience and understanding, and want you to know that you will be afforded every accommodation to retest at no charge.
*How is testing being handled for semi-annual or quarterly permit holders?
If you were issued a semi-annually or quarterly examination permit that expired between March 21ST, 2020, and April 28RD, 2020, you will
automatically be issued a new permit (via email) for the next available testing window. For upcoming testing schedules, check out your
certification's exam page on this website
*How do I submit my application by email?
C-NET is currently processing all paper applications being submitted by email. Applicants may either scan their applications or use their cell
phones to take pictures of their documents before emailing them to C-NET. Be sure to include a credit card payment (VISA or MASTERCARD
ONLY).
*Conferences and Paper & Pencil Testing
Check your certification board's/membership organization's conference website for information regarding any postponement.
*CMS 18-Month Rule Waiver
The 18-month rule for dialysis technicians, which states that all chronic care dialysis technicians must become certified within 18-months of
being hired, is part of the CMS’s End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Conditions for Coverage regulations/requirements. According to the public
health emergency (PHE) for COVID-19, as declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) under section 319 of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. §247d):
The decision to waive the 18-month rule requirement for dialysis technicians remains in effect and "will likely remain in place for the entirety of
2021. When a decision is made to terminate the declaration or let it expire, HHS will provide states with 60 days’ notice prior to termination".
While it is likely that this waiver will persist until the end of the national health emergency, the decision to renew the waiver is reevaluated every
90 days.
*ESRD Conditions for Coverage Waiver Renewal
Last renewed on 2/19/2021
Next Evaluation Date: TBD
Be advised that there is currently no provision to granting additional time past the health emergency, and dialysis facilities are expected to be in
compliance when the health emergency is lifted.
List of Currently Opened Test Sites
C-NET has resumed testing (meeting social distancing requirements) in various locations throughout the United States in accordance with federal and state guidelines and will continue to adds sites as they become available. Once you have been registered to test by C-NET, PSI will send you a link to active testing locations in your area.
TEST SITE INFORMATION
Read THIS before clicking the link below:
• For an up-to-date list of which sites are open, CLICK HERE.
• For a list of FAQs about PPE and other COVID-19 implemented
precautions at PSI test sites, CLICK HERE.
TESTING SAFELY
during a national health emergency
Information regarding scheduling
and tentative site closures during
the current
COVID-19 outbreak
Information Specific to CCHT/CCHT-A Technicians
(Technicians with Federally Mandated Certifications)
*Current Testing for Essential Workers
Due to the morbidity rate of their patient population during the
COVID- 19 outbreak, the Department of Homeland Security has
identified the role of "Hemodialysis Technician" (whose certification is
federally mandated) as essential under the Guidance On The
Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce. As such, PSI has opened a
number of testing sites (in sheltered-in place locations) for immediate
CCHT testing. Once you've been registered to test by C-NET, PSI will
send you a link to active testing locations in your area.
