HospitalInspections.org

Based on observation, staff interview, and policy review, the facility failed to post required EMTALA signs in places likely to be noticed by all individuals entering the emergency department, as well as those individuals waiting for examination and treatment as evidenced by no postage of EMTALA signage the facility's Emergency Room waiting room.

Findings include:

During an ER tour on 7/6/2015 at 10:13 AM with the Market Compliance Officer and ER Director, it was observed that the ER waiting room did not contain required EMTALA signage. The Market Compliance Officer and the ER Director acknowledged the absence of the signage upon discovery.

Review of facility policy #AMC-RI.280, EMTALA, effective date February 14, 2001, current reviewed/revision date December 2014, III. entitled, Procedure K. Posting of Signs, revealed the Hospital shall post conspicuously, in the "dedicated emergency departments" and all areas in which individuals routinely present for treatment of emergency medical conditions and wait prior to examination and treatment, (such as entrance, admitting areas, waiting room or treatment room) signs in the format that specifies rights of an individual under the law with respect to examination and treatment for emergency medical conditions and of women who are pregnant and are having contractions.

At the survey's close, the required signage had not been posted.