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UPMC NORTHWEST
MEDICAL SCREENING EXAM
Tag No.: A2406
Based on a review of facility documents, medical records (MR), and employee interview (EMP), it was determined that the facility failed to provide an appropriate medical screening for one of 20 medical records reviewed (MR20).
Findings include:
On June 28, 2024, a review of facility policy revealed, "... Title: Emergency Care Requirements (EMTALA) A. EXAMINATION AND TREATMENT: An appropriate Medical Screening Examination within the capability of the Emergency Department will be provided by a Qualified Medical Provider to any person who comes to the hospital and requests examination or treatment for a medical condition regardless of their ability to pay... ."
A review of MR20 and facility documentation revealed that on May 30, 2024, the minor patient presented to patient registration in the emergency department seeking treatment. The registration access employee was unable to contact a parent for consent for treatment and the patient left the facility. The patient was not registered, triaged, or seen by emergency staff personnel.
A review of facility documents revealed that an investigation was initiated by the facility.
The following actions were immediately taken by the facility as a result of the internal investigation to ensure compliance: (1) Re-education and training of all facility staff to include emergency department staff, registration staff, and security staff occurred from June 11, 2024, through July 1, 2024. (2) Verification of understanding by the emergency staff, registration staff, security staff was accomplished through leadership rounding and reinforcement was completed at daily Emergency department staff huddles and reinforced at Emergency Department staff meetings. Actions of the facility were verified through employee interviews at the time of facility tour and education transcript review. These actions targeted the root cause of the event. At the time of survey, the facility was found to be in compliance with EMTALA law.
The above findings were confirmed on June 28, 2024, by EMP1.