HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, interview, and document review, the hospital failed to ensure signage pertaining to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) was posted in all areas likely to be noticed by patients entering the Emergency Department (ED). This had the potential to affect all patients presenting to the ED seeking care and treatment via the ambulance bay patient entrance.

Findings include:

On 6/14/24, at 9:43 a.m., a tour of the emergency department (ED) was conducted with the ED nursing director (EDND) and the patient relations representative (PRR). During the tour, EDND identified an entrance where patients who arrived via ambulance entered the facility. The ambulance bay, and the adjacent ambulance bay alcove, lacked EMTALA signage. EDND and PRR acknowledged there was no signage posted in either of these areas.

An Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act Policy and Procedure, dated 6/11/24, identified its purpose was to outline the requirements for EMTALA compliance. The policy directed EMTALA signage was to be posted in "the Emergency Department as well as other areas where individuals may be waiting for examination and treatment for an emergency medical condition." The policy lacked direction the facility must post EMTALA signage in areas likely to be noticed by all individuals entering the emergency department.