HospitalInspections.org

Based on interview and document review, the hospital failed to have a dedicated policy in the emergency department that addressed Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).

Failue to have a dedicated policy risks patients not receiving a medical screening exam.

Findings included:

1. The hospital did not have a dedicated policy in the emergency department defining EMTALA.

Based on interview and record review the hospital failed to have a policy that was dedicated specifically to Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) procedures.

Failed to have an emergency department policy that was dedicated sepcifially to EMTALA.

Findings included:

1. Document review of the hospital policy titled "Collection of Financial Information in the Emergency Department," showed all patients were to receive a medical screening exam. The policy emphasized that patients were not to be questioned about ability to pay to receive the medical screening exam.

2. On 07/06/21 at 9:15 AM, Investigator #1 interviewed a licensed nurse (Staff #4) in the emergency department (ED). Staff #4 stated all staff got training on EMTALA but she was unaware of an emergency department policy that addressed EMTALA.

3. On 07/06/21 at 2:00 PM, Investigator #1 interviewed the Chief Nursing Officer (Staff #9). Staff #9 verified the investigator's findings.
The CNO stated the emergency department did not have a dedicated EMTALA policy for the emergency department.