EXHIBIT 23(B)


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Renal Care Group, Inc. 1999 Long-Term
Incentive Plan of our report dated February 24, 2003, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of Renal Care Group, Inc.
included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2002,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Nashville, Tennessee
July 23, 2003