HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to have Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) signage present in the ambulance bay/entrance area resulting in the potential for all patients arriving by ambulance being uninformed of their rights for treatment. Findings include:

During the initial tour of the Emergency Department (ED) on 8/9/2023 at 1130, the ambulance bay/entrance area was entered and found to be lacking EMTALA signage either outside or inside the doors. This finding was confirmed by ED Manager Staff A and Director of Quality Staff B at the time of discovery.

Facility policy #MHC_CC0125 titled "EMTALA: Treatment of Emergency Medical Conditions and Patient Transfers" last revised 9/13/2022 states, "Patient Rights Signs. Signs meeting regulatory specifications will be conspicuously posted throughout the ED (e.g., entrance, registration area, waiting rooms and treatment rooms)notifying patients of their rights (see sample in Appendix 7.2), and will be at a minimum: 4.5.1. Specify the rights of individuals with Emergency Medical Conditions and women in labor who come to the ED for health care services; 4.5.2. Indicate whether the facility participates in the Medicaid program; 4.5.3/ Include wording that is clear and in simple terms and language(s) that are understandable by the population served by the Hospital."