HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, interview, and document review, the critical access hospital (CAH) failed to ensure signage pertaining to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) and corresponding patient rights' was posted in all areas likely to be notice by patients entering the Emergency Department (ED) or waiting for treatment. This had potential to affect all patients presenting to the ED seeking care and treatment.

Findings include:

On 1/16/20, at 1:27 p.m. the hospital's ED was toured with the ED manager (RN)-A. The hospital used one non-emergent entrance for patients which was labeled on the exterior of the building using a red colored signage which read, "EMERGENCY." The ED's corresponding registration area, waiting room, treatment room(s) and ambulance garage were toured. The registration desk consisted of a single, long desk with two separate raised areas on the lateral ends where computers were kept to register patients. Behind the desk on the left side, a single large white colored sign was displayed which outlined EMTALA and the corresponding patient rights. However, this sign was not fully visible when the right side of the desk was used by patients as a protruding wall hid it from view. RN-A stood at the right side of the desk and verified the signage was not entirely visible depending on where the patient happened to stand when they checking into the ED. Further, the ED's single waiting room and each of the corresponding ED treatment/examination rooms (a total of seven) all lacked any signage or information pertaining to EMTALA and the associated rights.

These findings were verified at the time of observation by RN-A who explained there had been additional EMTALA signage posted at one time however, it had apparently been removed and never replaced. Further, all patients, including presenting non-emergent labor and delivery (L&D) patients presented through the main entrance.

A hospital policy on EMTALA signage was not provided.