HospitalInspections.org

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Based on interview, document review and review of hospital policies and procedures, the hospital failed to ensure that patients presenting for emergency care receive a medical screening examination by a qualified medical professional authorized by the hospital's governing body in accordance with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).

Failure to ensure patients receive a comprehensive medical screening examination by a qualified medical professional and stabilizing treatment prior to transfer or discharge risks poor health care outcomes, injury, and death.

Findings included:

1. The hospital failed to ensure that patients who presented to the Obstetrics Department (Birthplace) for care receive a medical screening examination by a qualified medical professional authorized by the governing body.

Cross Reference: A 2406
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Based on interview, document review, and review of hospital policies and procedures, the hospital failed to ensure that patients presenting to the Obstetrics unit (Birthplace) receive a medical screening examination by a qualified medical professional authorized by the hospital's governing body.

Failure to ensure that patients who present for emergency medical treatment receive a medical screening examination by a qualified medical professional risks poor patient care outcomes, injury, and death.

Findings included:

1. A review of hospital's policy titled, "Emergency Medical Transfer and Labor Act (EMTALA)," number 15393541, effective 03/24 showed:

a. Patients requesting examination or treatment for a medical condition have the right to:

i. An appropriate medical screening exam
ii. Necessary stabilization treatment for an emergency medical condition
iii. If necessary, an appropriate transfer to another facility

b. A qualified medical professional means a physician or other appropriate staff, including employees, contractors and agents, who are qualified and permitted under Pullman Regional Hospital's bylaws or rules and regulations to provide emergency medical treatment in the emergency department (ED). Birthplace registered nurses (RNs) are qualified personnel for patients being discharged from the ED following a labor check.

c. The policy was signed by the hospital's chief clinical officer and dated 03/24.

2. A review of the hospital's bylaws and rules and regulations did not show who the governing body determined was qualified to conduct medical screening examinations.

3. On 01/28/25, during interviews with the investigator, 2 Birthplace RNs and the Birthplace director stated that the Birthplace RNs were authorized to conduct medical screening examinations for labor checks (Staff #1, Staff #2, Staff #3).

4. On 01/28/25 at 4:30 PM, during an interview with the investigator, the chief reliability officer (Staff #4) stated that the hospital's governing body had not determined who was qualified to conduct medical screening examinations.
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