HospitalInspections.org

Based on interview and video recording it was deteremined that the facility failed to provide a Medical Screening Exam for 1 of 25 patients seen in the Emergency Department. The failed practice did not ensure the patient had an emergency medical condition or not. The failed practice had the likelihood of affecting all patients seen in the Emergency Department.
See tag A 2406

Based on interview and video recording it was determined that the facility failed to provide a Medical Screening Exam for 1 (1 of 25) patient seen in the Emergency Department. The failed practice did not ensure the patient was screened for an emergency medical condition. The failed practice had the likelihood of affecting all patients seen in the Emergency Department. Findings follow:

A. Review of Ouachita Count Medical Center (OCMC) video from the Emergency Department (ED) Registration area showed Patient #1 approached the window at 4:05 PM and spoke with the registrar. The registrar made a phone call and moved the phone closer to the window and put the call on speaker phone. After a discussion with the phone call and the patient the registrar walked away, and Patient #1 conversed with their companion and then without contacting the registrar the couple exited the facility.
B. In an interview with ED Clerk, it was stated that, "I called the 700 unit (obstetrics unit) to let them know this lady was here. I had them on the speaker because the cord was too short for me to talk on at the desk. I guess they heard we were on diversion but, not that we were going to see her in the Emergency Department. "The mother made the decision to leave for El Dorado."
C. During interview with OCMC Emergency Room Manager on 04/08/2025 at 10:03 AM it was stated that, On 3/29/2025 the facility was on Obstetrics (OB) diversion due to both newborn physicians being off for spring break.
D. Review of complaint form from Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center (SARMC) hospital showed that Patient #1 arrived at 4:55 PM to the facilities Labor and Delivery unit.
E. Review SARMC's of Clinical Record document titled "History and Physical" dated 03/30/2025 and timed 5:06 AM stated, "This is a 22-year-old white female gravida 1 para 0 who was admitted at 40 weeks gestational age in latent labor, She had been followed for her prenatal care in Camden by (Named Physician). The hospital was on diversion. On admission she was having regular contractions and was 3.5cm/ 90%/minus 2 station. She had spontaneous rupture of membranes at 12:00 PM on 03/29/2025 of clear fluid. She had no fever chills genitourinary or gastrointestinal symptoms. Estimated length of stay 48 hours."
F. Review of Clinical Record from SARMC showed document titled "Operative Report" dated 03/30/2025 at 5:03 AM showed, "The patient went to completion with an epidural in place and pushed for 1 hour about 1 hour 50 minutes. The patient remained stable throughout."