HospitalInspections.org

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Based on observation, document review, and interview, EMTALA signage were not conspicuously posted in places where they can be noticed by people entering the Emergency Department, as well as those who are waiting for examination and treatment.

Findings include:

Review of policy titled " Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) Requirements" (Effective: September 01, 2022) revealed the following, "...1. Signs which explain the rights of individuals seeking emergency services must be conspicuously displayed in the ED, L&D and in other areas of the hospital where individuals seeking care for an emergency medical condition may be waiting for examination and treatment at the facility in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. 2. Information indicating this facility's Medicaid participation must be conspicuously posted. 3. Signs must be visible from a distance of 20 feet and should be approximately 18 X 20 inches. 4. The wording on the sign (s) must be clear and simple terms and in a language that is understandable by the populations served by the Hospital. 5 Sign (s) must be posted in a place or places likely to be noticed by all individuals entering the ED, as well as those waiting for examination and treatment ...."

On 09/26/2023, at approximately 10 AM, during the tour of the facility's Emergency Department (ED), an EMTALA signage was observed by the entrance/exit doors inside of the ED. The sign was obscured by the metal detector and cannot be easily seen and read by patients entering the ED. There were no other EMTALA signage in the ED.

On 09/26/2023, at approximately 10 AM, during an interview with Staff E (ED Medical Director), she confirmed that there is only one EMTALA signage posted in the ED.

On 10/02/2023, at 01:07 PM, during the tour of the Labor and Delivery unit, there was an EMTALA signage posted on the wall of the unit by the automatic entrance doors. It was observed that the EMTALA signage was blocked from view of patients when the automatic doors open inwardly. This observation was made in the presence of Staff F, Director of Maternal Health.

On 10/02/2023 at approximately 4:00 PM, these findings were brought to the attention of the facility's administrative personnel including Staff E, ED Medical Director.
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