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Based on record review and interviews, the hospital failed to ensure an appropriate medical screening examination was conducted for patients presenting to the ED requesting an examination of a medical condition for 1 patient (Patient #21) of 20 patient records reviewed (no documentation of Patient #21 visit on 09/07/21 was provided.)

This failed practice caused Patient #21 to not receive a Medical Screnning Exam (MSE) .


Findings:

Policies and Procedures

A policy titled "Admissions to the Emergency Department" stated in part, "McAlester Regional Health Center will provide an appropriate medical screening within the capability of the hospital's Emergency Department to any individual who presents to the Emergency Department and a request is made on the individual's behalf for examination or treatment for a medical condition."

On 08/31/21, at approximately 8:28 P.M., EMS arrived to McAlester Regional Health Center with patient #21. EMS was informed facility was on ER Divert and would not accept non-critical patients. Patient #21 was taken to another facility and did not recieve a Medical Screening Exam (MSE).

During an interview on 09/08/21 at 12:00 P.M., Staff A verified that Patient #21 was transported to facility and did not recieve a medical screening exam.

On 09/08/21 a written statement from Staff B was provided to surveyors. In the written statement Staff B stated they instructed Staff C to inform EMS that facility (McAlester Regional Health Center) was on ER Divert and would not accept non-critical patients.

On 09/08/21 a written statement was from Staff C was provided to surveyors. In the written statement Staff C stated they informed EMS that facility (McAlester Regional Health Center) was on ER Divert and would not accept non-critical patients.