HospitalInspections.org

Based on review of facility policy, observation and interview, the facility failed to post signs specifying the rights of individuals with respect to examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions and women in labor.

The findings include:

Review of the facility policy "Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Policy" dated 7/2023, showed "...Any individual who comes to CRMC [Cookeville Regional Medical Center] requesting emergency services is entitled to and will receive a Medical Screening Examination performed...to determine whether an Emergency Medical Condition exists...Signage refers to the hospital's requirement to post signs conspicuously...noticed by all individuals entering the Emergency Department as well as those individuals waiting for examination or treatment in areas other than the traditional Emergency Department..."

Observation of the Main Lobby on 3/19/2024 at 9:45 AM, with the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) and the Risk Manager of the facility, revealed the required EMTALA signage was not visible on entry. The EMTALA signage was not posted in the vestibule or any walls in the main lobby.

During an interview on 3/19/2024 at 9:48 AM, the CNO confirmed the facility had a dedicated emergency department and the EMTALA signage was not posted in the main lobby of the facility.

Observation of the Cancer Center entrance to the facility, with the CNO and the Risk Manager on 3/19/2024 at 10:10 AM, revealed the required EMTALA signage was not visible on entry. The EMTALA signage was not posted in the vestibule or any walls in the lobby of the Cancer Center.

During an interview on 3/19/2024 at 10:10 AM, the CNO confirmed other departments, including the Emergency Department, were able to be accessed through the Cancer Center entrance. The CNO confirmed the EMTALA signage was not posted in the Cancer Center entrance or lobby.