HospitalInspections.org

Based on a tour of the facility, observations and interviews, the hospital failed to post a sign in the Emergency Department (ED) that identified a patient's rights with respect to examination and treatment of emergency medical conditions and women in labor. The findings include:

1. A tour of the ED was conducted on 7/3/14 with the ED Medical Director, the ED Nursing Director, the ED Nursing Manager and the Director of Patient Support. Although signs regarding patient rights and a Notice of Privacy Practices were posted in the ED waiting room, a sign which identified a patient's rights under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) was not posted in a conspicuous place or places likely to be noticed by all individuals entering the ED. Review of the sign location and interviews with the ED Managers and the Director of Patient Support on 7/3/14 AM at 10:45 AM noted that an EMTALA sign was not posted in a place where patients would readily notice it.