HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and interview, the hospital failed to ensure signage (in a form specified by the Secretary) specifying the rights of individuals under section 1867 of the Act with respect to examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions and women in labor; was posted conspicuously, in the emergency department, and places likely to be noticed by all individuals entering the emergency department. This deficient practice was evidenced by failure to post EMTALA signage at or near the entrance to the Assessment Center waiting area from the main hospital and at or near the hospital main corridor staff entrance into the Assessment Center patient care area.

Findings:

On 05/15/2023 at 10:55 a.m. an observation of the Assessment Center waiting area failed to reveal an EMTALA sign at the patient and or visitor entry from the main hospital.

In an interview on 05/15/2023 at 10:55 a.m. S5AC verified patients utilize the entryway from the main hospital to access the Assessment Center. She also verified patients entering from the main hospital may not visualize the EMTLA sign posted near the ambulance entrance.

A tour of the Assessment Center patient care area revealed a doorway with staff access only exiting to the main hospital near the main entrance. Further observation failed to reveal EMTALA signage.

In an interview on 05/15/2023 at 11:05 a.m. S1VPN and S4RN verified no EMTALA signage at or near the staff entry from the main hospital and staff may bring emergent patients through the badge access entryway if needed.