HospitalInspections.org

Based on interview and record review, the facility failed to ensure one of 30 sampled patients (Patient 16) received a medical screening examination (MSE) when the patient arrived in the emergency department (ED) requesting to be seen by an ED physician for the complaint of a possible sexual abuse. This failure had the potential to affect the health and safety of Patient 16.

Findings:

The hospital was entered on July 1, 2019 at 3:15 PM, to investigate a complaint regarding the hospital ED had turned Patient 16 away and would not see the patient. The complaint noted the patient was possibly sexually abused and needed to be examined to be sure the patient was all right. The complaint noted the facility told the complainant they do not perform rape kits and she should go to the town where it happened to be evaluated and to report the incident to their police department. The patient was then taken to the other city which was a two-hour drive from the facility.

Review of the ED log (a record of each patient who presents to the ED requesting medical care) showed the patient (Patient 1) arrived at the facility ED on May 2, 2019 at 3:15 AM, and left without being triaged (an assessment to determine the severity of the patient's medical condition that helps determine which patient should be seen first) on May 2, 2019 at 3:42 AM. A "Status Note" showed, "Pt. (patient) left to receive better resources at unknown facility."

In an interview with ED Director (EDD) on July 2, 2019 at 1:55 PM, She acknowledged her staff turned the patient away. She stated that when she spoke with the ED Technician, the complainant was very upset. The complainant was told they did not do rape kits at our ED but we would see the patient. She stated she thought the complainant did not hear all that was said and perceived she was being turned away.

A review of a facility policy and procedure titled, "Screening, Stabilization and Transfer of Individuals with Emergency Medical Conditions," showed the following:

"It is the policy of (Name of hospital) to provide a medical screening examination by a physician or qualified medical person to any individual who comes to the hospital and seeks an examination or medical treatment to determine if the individual has an emergency medical condition, whether or not eligible for insurance benefits and regardless of ability to pay; and if it is determined that the individual has an emergency medical condition, to provide the individual with such further medical examination and treatment as required to stabilize the emergency medical condition within the capability of the hospital, or to arrange for the transfer of the individual to another facility ..."