Abstract: The development of hemodialysis technology increases the survival opportunity for patients with chronic renal failure. However, the diseases in most hemodialysis patients are complicated, serious and variable. During hemodialysis, blood has to be taken out from the body and mixed with anticoagulant for extracorporeal circulation. The hemodialysis technology is not perfect yet, leading to many safety problems and unknown risks to the medical and nursing workers. In order to secure the safety of the patients and hospital workers, regulations based on related laws, standards of medical and nursing protocols, education to the patients and their relatives about the disease, the benefits and risks from hemodialysis, and mutual understanding between patients and medical staffs must be established. The author focuses on these issues based on his own understanding, experience and expectations.

Key words: hemodialysis, medical safety, legal issue