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Based on document review and interview, it was determined that in 1 (patient #23) of 26 medical records (MR) reviewed of patients who presented to the hospital requesting emergency services, the facility failed to ensure compliance with 489.24 in that the facility failed to provide stabilizing treatment.

Findings include:

1. See findings cited at 42 CFR 489.24(d)(1-3), C2407.

Based on document review, the facility failed to provide stabilizing treatment for an individual who comes to the emergency department (ED) for 1 of 26 patients (Patient #23) presenting to the facility.

Findings include:

1. Review of policy/procedure titled, "ED - EMTALA: Emergency Medical Screening, Stabilization, and Transfer", revised/reapproved 3/2020, indicated in section, Hospital Responsibilities under EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act), point 2.vi., "Stabilizing Treatment. If it is determined that the individual has an EMC [Emergency Medical Condition], the Hospital within the capabilities of the staff and facilities at the Hospital must provide the treatment required to stabilize the individual's medical condition".

2. Review of the Hospitalist Schedule and On-Call Schedule for the past 6 months indicated there was a Hospitalist on-call each day in July 2020.

3. Review of patient #23's medical record (MR) indicated the patient presented to the ED on 7/5/20 at 0730 hours for chief complaint of abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Patient was diaphoretic, tachycardic, hyperventilating and hypertensive upon presentation. Heart rate at 0746 hours was 127 beats per minute (bpm) and 111 at discharge. Blood pressure at 0738 hours was 133/101 and elevated at 151/100 on discharge. Pain upon admission was 8 out of 10 (0-10 pain scale with 10 being the worst). Pain level decreased to 4 out of 10 prior to discharge. Patient had two previous CT scans of abdomen and pelvis without contrast dated 6/6/20 and 6/9/20. Impression from 6/6/20 scan included a fat containing umbilical hernia. Impression from 6/9/20 scan included fat containing paraumbilical hernia containing omental fat with mild inflammatory fat stranding. Patient was discharged on 7/5/20 at 1320 hours with abnormal vital signs.