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Based on document review and interview, it was determined that in 1 (patient #1) of 26 medical records 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 a medical screening examination.

Findings include:

1. See findings cited at 42 CFR 489.24 (1), C2406.

Based on document review and interview, the facility failed to ensure that written policies and procedures governing an appropriate medical screening exam for all patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) was followed for 1 of 26 ED patients (patient #1).

Findings included:

1. Review of Policy and Procedures indicated the following: Emergency Department Policy Triage, #EDS-002-P, last updated 02/5/2014, which indicated:
Procedure:
A. To facilitate immediate and appropriate screening and care for each patient presenting to the Emergency Department (ED). The patient will be provided a medical screening examination by an emergency department physician, another physician, or by a qualified medical person.

2. Review of patient #1's medical record (MR) nursing notes, drafted by nurse #9, at 9/17/2017 at 2253 hours, indicated patient #1 arrived at the Emergency Department and was triaged as Acuity 3. Review of patient summary report indicated patient checked out on 9/17/2017 at 2327 hours. Review of ED physician #1's Physician Progress Note documented patient time seen was 9/18/2017 at 0052 hours.

3. Review of patient #1's MR at facility #2, indicated patient arrived by private automobile on 9/18/2017 at 0009 hours.

4. In interview on 9/26/2017 at 1600 hours, at facility #2, staff member #10, Quality and Safety Manager, confirmed that on 9/18/2017 at 0010 hours, patient #1 presented to the ED, and received a medical screening exam and appropriate treatment for vaginal bleeding and an asthma attack. Our ED had not received any notification that the patient was on his/her way.