HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and interviews, this hospital failed to ensure they were in compliance with all EMTALA requirements under 42 CFR 489. The facility failed to post EMTALA signage in 3 of 4 areas (Emergency Department Entrance, Triage Area, and Patient Treatment Areas) used by emergency room patients. This deficient practice has the potential to affect all patients seeking emergency medical treatment at this facility.

Findings include:

1) Observations during tour of the emergency department revealed no EMTALA signage in the patient treatment rooms or patient waiting areas. (See tag 2402)

Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to ensure EMTALA signs are posted in all patient waiting and emergency treatment areas in 3 of 4 patient care areas (Emergency Department Entrance, Triage, and Patient Treatment Areas). This deficiency potentially affects all Emergency Department patients treated at this facility.

Findings include:

On 6/7/2017 at 9:30 AM, observed Emergency Department Area accompanied by Director of Emergency Department A. EMTALA signage was observed in the main entrance behind the admitting desk. No signage was noted in the patient waiting rooms, triage area, or patient treatment rooms.

On 6/6/2016 at 9:30 AM, conducted an interview with Director of Emergency Department A, Director of Emergency Department A stated the only EMTALA signage is posted behind the Admissions Desk. Director of Emergency Department A stated there was no EMTALA signage posted in the waiting areas or treatment areas.

On 6/7/2016 at 9:30 AM, conducted an interview with Director of Emergency Department A, Director of Emergency Department A stated receiving information from the Aurora System that EMTALA signs were no longer needed in room and they only needed to be visible to the patients when entering the Emergency Department.