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Based on random observation, staff interviews, and review of facility policy and procedure, it was determined that the facility failed to ensure that signage indicating the rights of individuals under EMTALA law, is conspicuously posted in areas likely to be seen by individuals requesting emergency care.

Findings include:

Reference: Facility policy, "Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor" revised December 2023 states, " ...VII. Signs. 1. [Name of Facility] will post one or more signs conspicuously or in a place or places likely to be noticed by all individuals entering and obtaining treatment in the emergency department, as well as those individuals waiting for examination and treatment in areas other than traditional emergency departments (that is, entrance, admitting area, waiting room, treatment area). In general, the sign(s) shall be visible from anywhere in the area or distance of twenty (20) feet, whichever is less."

On 3/13/24 at 11:18 AM, a tour of the Emergency Department (ED) was conducted in the presence of Staff (S)6, ED Nurse Manager. At 11:20 AM, during a tour of the walk-in and ambulance entrances, there was no EMTALA signage displaying the rights of individuals under EMTALA law in the entrance hallway. S6 confirmed that all patients requesting emergency treatment, including walk-in patients and patients arriving via ambulance, will enter through that hallway, and that there was no signage posted.

At 11:24 AM, signage for EMTALA was observed posted in the hallway leading to the fast track area of the ED. The signage was not visible from all of the fast track bays. A second sign was posted on the wall of the main ED hallway treatment area. The signage was not visible from all of the treatment bays. These findings were confirmed by S6 upon discovery.