HospitalInspections.org

Based on document review and interview, it was determined that the facility failed to comply with the requirements of 42 CFR 489.24 [special responsibilities of Medicare hospitals in emergency cases], specifically the failure to post EMTALA signs in areas likely to be noticed by all individuals that visit the emergency department (ED), see A 2402; and the failure to ensure an adequate medical screening exam was performed by a qualified medical professional as appointed in the Bylaws, see A 2406.

Based on observation and interview the facility failed to post EMTALA signs in areas likely to be noticed by all individuals that visit the emergency department (ED). Findings include:

On 7/15/14 at approximately 1105 it was revealed during a tour of the ED, that patients entering the facility via ambulance would not be able to see EMTALA signs. Ambulance traffic enters through the ambulance bay, which does not pass the EMTALA signs posted in the waiting room.

On 7/15/14 at approximately 1105 during an interview with staff A it was asked by this surveyor "How do the patients that enter by ambulance see the EMTALA signs?" Staff A stated, "They don't, we don't have a sign posted there. We can have that fixed today."

Based on document review and interview, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure a medical screening exam (MSE) was performed by a qualified medical professional as specified in the Hospital Bylaws. Findings include:

On 7/15/14 at approximately 1315 during review of the Hospital Bylaws, no evidence could be found of which providers were considered qualified to conduct a MSE.

On 7/15/14 at approximately 1330, during an interview with staff B it was confirmed that the hospital bylaws did not indicate which providers were qualified to conduct a MSE.