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ESSENTIA HEALTH ST MARYS - DETROIT LAKES
POSTING OF SIGNS
Tag No.: A2402
Based on observations, interviews and document review, the hospital failed to conspicuously post in the ED or in a place likely to be noticed by individuals waiting for examination and treatment in the ED, signs specifying the rights of individuals under section 1867 of the Act with respect to examination and treatment in the emergency room.
Findings include:
A tour of the ED was conducted on March 8, 2013 at 8:52 a.m. with the registered nurse (RN) Emergency Department (ED) manager. The ED had a dedicated entrance with a waiting room. In addition, patients could enter the ED through the ED garage. No signs informing individuals of their EMTALA rights were posted in the ED waiting room or the ED garage.
An interview with employee (A) on March 8, 2013 at 9:20 am confirmed the required signs for EMTALA rights were not posted in the ED waiting room and ED garage.
Review of the hospital's EMTALA policy and procedure not dated, revealed the ED would post signs that included specific rights of patients with emergency conditions and women in labor at public entrances.