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Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to post conspicuously the required signage (per section 1867 of the Social Security Act) specifying the rights of individuals with respect to examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions (EMC) and women in labor and whether or not the hospital participated in the Medicaid program under a State plan (under Title XIX). The hospital failed to :

*Post required signage at the side (ambualnce) entrance to the Emergency Room (ER);

*Post signage in a manner that was noticeable and visible to individuals waiting for ER examination and treatment (front lobby entrance to ER ).

Findings include:

TX 00429183

Record review of facility policy titled "Emergency Medical Treatment & Active Labor Act ( EMTALA)," dated 07/01/2020 showed:

(EMTALA) Signs will be posted in the following locations:

Emergency Department:

a. Waiting area
b. Exam Rooms
c. Ambulance Bay Entrance

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Observation in the ER area on 09/06/2022 at 11:15 AM with Staff B, Quality Director, failed to show any postings of the required EMTALA signage.

Staff B was unable to locate EMTALA signage posted in either the front ER lobby area or the side /ambulance entrance.

Record review of Medicare Provider Agreement [Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 42 CFR 489.20(q) ] "requires a hospital to post conspicuously a sign(s) specifying the rights of individuals under section 1867 of the Act with respect to examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions and women in labor and to indicate whether or not the hospital participates in the Medicaid program. The letters within the signs must be clearly readable at a distance of 20 feet or the expected vantage point of the emergency departments clients..".