HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and interview the facility failed to ensure Emergency Medical Treatment And Labor Act (EMTALA) signs in waiting room areas were likely to be noticed by all individuals that visit the Emergency Department (ED) resulting in the potential for all emergency patients to be uninformed of their rights. Findings include:

Entrance to the facility occurred on 1/11/2022 at 0950 via the dedicated Emergency Department (ED). The ED contained approximately 26 people in the waiting room area at the time of entrance. Signage for EMTALA consisted of one posting was located on one area of the ED. The EMTALA posting/signage was not visible to all individuals in the waiting room area. The sign was approximately 30 feet from the closest seats and was unable to be read. On 1/11/2022 at 1010 an interview occurred with staff GG, the Director of the ED. Staff GG was queried if the EMTALA law signage was visible for all individuals in all areas of ED. Staff GG responded, "We will definitely get that fixed." Staff GG was then asked where individuals with Covid symptoms were placed for waiting. Staff GG stated that the family waiting area in the back of the ED had been designated for patients that were symptomatic with Covid symptoms. At 1025 on 1/11/2022 a tour of the waiting area for Covid suspected patients was toured. The area was found to have no signage for EMTALA law. Staff GG confirmed the findings and stated that the signage would be placed in the additional waiting area.