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.

ST JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL, INC 555 ST JOSEPH'S BLVD ELMIRA, NY 14902 April 12, 2019
VIOLATION: COMPLIANCE WITH 489.24 Tag No: A2400
Based on document review, medical record review and interview the facility did not comply with all of the provisions for an appropriate transfer. Please reference findings under Tag A2409.
VIOLATION: APPROPRIATE TRANSFER Tag No: A2409
Based on medical record review, policy review and interview, the facility did not ensure the physician co-signed the certification indicating that the transfer to a higher level of care was appropriate as documented by the mid-level provider in the emergency department (ED) for 5 of 7 transferred patients (Patient #19, 20, 21, 22, and 25).

Findings include:

Review of policy, Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), #:LE.900, last revised 06/2018 revealed, Transfer of Un-stabilized Patients: An attending physician has signed a written certification that based upon the information available at the time of transfer, the medical benefits reasonably expected from the provision of appropriate medical treatment at another hospital facility outweigh the increased risk to the individual. The transfer must be effected through qualified personnel and transportation equipment including the use of necessary and medically appropriate life support measures during the transfer. This determination is made by the attending physician based upon the patient's medical condition.

Review of medical record for Patient #19, 20, 21, 22, and 25 revealed no evidence that the physician co-signed the certification indicating that the transfer to a higher level of care was appropriate, as documented by the mid-level provider.

Interview on 04/12/19 at 11:00 AM with staff (M), Physician Assistant indicated that before patients are transferred to another facility he ensures the patient receives a medical screening examination and stabilizing treatment and that the transfer form is completed. Staff (M) indicated he obtains an accepting physician at the receiving facility before the patient is transferrred.

Interview on 04/12/19 at 10:30 AM with Staff (E) ED Coordinator verified that a physician did not cosign the certification for transfer.