HospitalInspections.org
Bringing transparency to federal inspections
MEMORIAL HERMANN MEMORIAL CITY MEDICAL CENTER
POSTING OF SIGNS
Tag No.: A2402
Based on observation and interview, the facility failed to post conspicuously the required signage (per section 1867 of the Social Security Act) specifying the rights of individuals with respect to examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions (EMC) and women in labor and whether or not the hospital participated in the Medicaid program under a State plan (under Title XIX).
The hospital failed to :
*Post signage in a manner that was noticeable and visible to individuals waiting for ER examination and treatment (waiting room of ER ).
Findings include:
TX 00383357
Walk- in lobby / ED Entrance:
Observation on 02/08/2022 at 10:00 AM in the waiting room of the facility ED showed a walk-up registration area.
Observation on the wall to the left of the registration window showed a frame ( approx. 8 1/2 inch x 11 inch) hanging on the wall approximately 5 to 6 feet from the ground. The frame held a sign with a bolded title that read: "ATTENTION: EMERGENCY CENTER PATIENTS...:"...surveyor was unable to read the remainder of the sign as the rest of the font was much smaller than the title. Surveyor was standing at the window of the registration desk.
At the time of observation, Staff N, ED clinical manager, confirmed this frame held the ED EMTALA signage. Staff N was asked to "step off" approximately 20 feet from the vantage point at the registration desk. He did so.
At this approximated 20 foot mark, Staff- N, ED security guard, was asked if he could read the EMTALA signage in the frame. He stated he could not read it.
Record review of Medicare Provider Agreement [Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 42 CFR 489.20(q) ] "requires a hospital to post conspicuously a sign(s) specifying the rights of individuals under section 1867 of the Act with respect to examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions and women in labor and to indicate whether or not the hospital participates in the Medicaid program. The letters within the signs must be clearly readable at a distance of 20 feet or the expected vantage point of the emergency departments clients..".