HospitalInspections.org

1. Based on observations, reviews of policies and procedures, and staff interviews Fort Duncan Medical Center failed to post required signage throughout the emergency department specifying the rights of individuals seeking medical examination and treatment for emergencies.
The findings included:
a. During a tour of the emergency department with staff members # 16 and # 17 conducted on 7/2/12 at 1:30 p.m. and again on the morning of 7/3/12 revealed the hospital had one sign posted in the emergency department registration area that was not highly visible or in an area(s) likely to be seen by all individuals seeking emergency treatment as required by Federal and State hospital regulations.
b. A review of the hospital's Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) policies and procedures conducted on 7/3/12 at 09:30 a.m. in the conference room revealed Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center failed to follow its own policy # 100.97 "Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor" effective date: 6/1/12 that required the emergency department to post one or more signs conspicuously or in a place likely to be noticed by all individuals entering the emergency department, as well as those individuals waiting for examination and treatment in areas other than traditional emergency departments (that is, entrance, admitting area, waiting room, treatment area). In general, the sign(s) should be visible from anywhere in the area or a distance of 20 feet, whichever is less.
c. Interviews conducted with staff members # 16 and # 17 conducted on 7/3/12 at 11:30 a.m. in the conference room revealed both staff members acknowledged the Emergency Department signage did not follow the hospital's established policy and they could not provide evidence of compliance with the requirements.