HospitalInspections.org

Based on interviews and document review, the facility failed to comply with the Medicare provider agreement, as defined in §489.24, related to Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) requirements.

Findings:

1. The facility failed to meet the following requirements under the EMTALA regulation:

Tag A2402 - Posting of Signs -The facility failed to post signs in all applicable entrances specifying the rights of individuals seeking examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions. Specifically there was no EMTALA signage at the main entrance to the hospital.

Based on observation and interviews the facility failed to ensure Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) signage was posted at relevant locations in the facility.

POLICY

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) policy stated the hospital will post conspicuously, in the dedicated emergency departments and labor and delivery and psychiatric units, as well as all defined areas in which patients routinely present for treatment of emergency medical conditions and wait prior to examination and treatment (such as entrance, admitting areas, waiting room or treatment room), that specify rights of an individual under the law with respect to examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions and of women who are pregnant and are having contractions.

1. The facility failed to post signs, specifying the rights of individuals seeking examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions and women in labor, at all entrances used by patients seeking emergency services. Specifically, there was no EMTALA signage at the main entrance to the hospital.

a) During a tour of the hospital lobby on 5/5/19 at 8:45 a.m., no EMTALA signs were posted at the main entrance to the hospital, in the lobby or at the patient registration area in the lobby.

b) During the tour, the information desk receptionist (Receptionist #1) was sitting at the information desk in the main lobby. Receptionist #1 stated patients looking for the emergency department stopped at the information desk on average 2-3 times a day seeking services in the emergency department. Receptionist #1 stated she would give directions to the emergency department and escort the patient to the department if needed.