HospitalInspections.org

Based on observations during a tour of the emergency department (ED) and interviews, the hospital failed to post conspicuously in the emergency department or in a place likely to be noticed by individuals waiting for examination and treatment in the emergency department, signs specifying the rights of individuals under section 1867 of the Act with respect to examination and treatment in the emergency room. Findings include:On 7/1/14, at 10:36 a.m. a tour of the ED with the RN emergency services director established there was one front entrance for individuals to enter the registration area for the ED. A waiting room was located across from two ED registration desks with a hall between the two areas. The waiting room lacked signs notifying individuals of their EMTALA rights. Although there was an 8 x 11 EMTALA sign posted on the right side of a wall of the second registration desk, the sign was not visible from the waiting room. Another entrance to the ED was the ambulance garage where individuals could enter the ED in their private vehicle. No EMTALA signs were located in the garage or hallway leading into the ED. During the tour of the ED, the RN emergency services director confirmed the findings.

During the tour of the ED, the RN emergency services director confirmed the findings.