The information below comes from the statement of deficiencies compiled by health inspectors and provided to AHCJ by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It does not include the steps the hospital plans to take to fix the problem, known as a plan of correction. For that information, you should contact the hospital, your state health department or CMS. Accessing the document may require you to file a Freedom of Information Request. Information on doing so is available here.

CHI-ST VINCENT INFIRMARY TWO ST VINCENT CIRCLE LITTLE ROCK, AR 72205 April 20, 2017
VIOLATION: APPROPRIATE TRANSFER Tag No: A2409
This is a recurring deficiency cited from the EMTALA survey conducted 08-10-2015. Based on clinical record review and interview, it was determined the Facility failed to disclose the risks of transfer specific to the condition for four of nine transferred patients. Failure to disclose the risks specific to the condition did not allow Patient #2 and Patient #5 to make an informed decision regarding the need for the transfer. The failed practice affected Patient #2 and Patient #5. The Transfer Form for Patient #1 and Patient #9 could not be located although both patients were transferred to another Facility.

A. Clinical record review of the Patient Transfer Form for Patient #2 and Patient #5 revealed no documentation under Explanation of Risks specific to the patient's condition.

B. An interview was conducted with the Nurse Manager of the Emergency Department 04-21-2017. The Nurse Manager of the Emergency Department confirmed the lack of documentation for the risks of transfer for Patient #2 and Patient #5.

C. Clinical record review for Patient #1 revealed Patient #1 was transferred 02-15-2017 to another Facility. The Transfer Form for Patient #1 could not be located. Clinical record review for Patient #9 revealed Patient #9 was transferred 04-17-2017 to another Facility.

D. An interview with the Nurse Manager of the Emergency Department 04-21-2017. The Nurse Manager of the Emergency Department confirmed there were no Transfer Forms for Patient #1 and Patient #9 to review.