HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and interview the facility failed to ensure Emergency Medical Treatment And Labor Act (EMTALA) signs in waiting room areas were likely to be noticed by all individuals that visit the Emergency Department (ED) resulting in the potential for all emergency patients to be uninformed of their rights. Findings include:

On 12/7/2021 at 0900 during the initial tour of the facility ED it was revealed that not all areas of waiting areas for ED patients provided a line of sight to the EMTALA signage. The first area observed was dimly lit with the EMTALA signage in the vending area. Patients sitting facing the television (TV) would not have the ability to view the sign. The second area located in the hallway across from the waiting room area containing the TV where ED patients would wait also would not be in view of the EMTALA signage located in the waiting room area or the signage located to the left registration area.

On 12/7/2021 at 0920 an interview with staff A, the Nursing Supervisor. Staff A was queried if the EMTALA signage was visible for all ED patients to view. Staff A stated, "We will get that corrected."