HospitalInspections.org

Based on record reviews and staff interviews, it was determined the hospital failed to accept a transfer of an emergency patient who required specialized services not offered at the referring hospital. This deficient practice poses a risk to the health and safety of patients if there is a delay in care, and transfers are not accepted to provide emergency interventions leading to medical complications or death.

Findings Include:

SUMMARY:

Hospital policy titled, "EMTALA-Medical Screening Examination and Stabilization "revealed:" ...I. Purpose/Population: A. Purpose: Banner Health provides care for individuals presenting to its hospitals (and Dedicated Emergency Departments, as defined below) with emergency medical conditions without discrimination and regardless of their payor status or eligibility for financial assistance. This Policy outlines Banner Health's commitment to comply with the requirements of the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act ...and its implementing regulations ...K. Hospital Obligation to Accept Transfers. 1. Any hospital with Specialized Capabilities or Facilities or regional referral centers that serve rural areas that has Capacity, regardless of whether the hospital has a Dedicated Emergency Department, must accept an appropriate transfer of an unstable patient who requires the specialized capabilities of the hospital from any referring hospital, regardless of financial consideration or proximity of other Hospitals. The hospital may not delay acceptance of a Patient with an unstablized EMC pending receipt or verification of financial information ...."

Hospital document titled, "transfer log", dated 03/16/2025, revealed: " ...Final case status ...Accepted ...."

A total of 19 ED medical records were randomly selected for review, including patients who were transferred, admitted, or left before Medical Screening Examinations. There was no documentation that there were any delays in assessments and/or treatments based on each patient's ability to pay for medical services.

Tour/Observation

Employee # 3 confirmed during the Emergency Department Tour that
1 Medical Provider, either MD or DO, is scheduled to work in the Triage area from 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week. Employees are scheduled throughout the day.
7 am to 7 pm 8-9 RN's
9 am 2 additional RN's
11 am 1-2 additional RN's
3a am 1-2 additional RN's
7 ancillary staff

Employee # 2 confirmed in an interview dated 05/13/2025, that a bed was requested 4D D426 Bed 2, reservation number 6235248913, Assignment Time 03/16/2025 at 20:46.

Provider # 1 confirmed in an interview dated 05/14/2025 that the recording from the transfer center was reviewed, and Provider # 2 did refuse to accept the patient for admission.

Employee # 2 confirmed in an interview dated 05/13/2025 that the recording from the transfer center was reviewed, and Provider # 2 did refuse to accept the patient for admission.

Employee # 3 confirmed in an interview dated 05/12/2025, that patient # 1 was transferred to [Banner Thunderbird Medical Center] from Arizona General Free-Standing ED.

Provider #1 confirmed in an interview dated 05/14/2025, that any issues involving physicians and accepting a transfer are brought to [his] attention. The physician's direct leadership is notified and engaged, providing continued education and addressing any behavioral issues.
These steps were taken with Provider # 2.

CONCLUSION:
The hospital was found not in compliance with this standard, and a deficiency was cited.