HospitalInspections.org

Based on review of facility documentation, and staff interview (EMP), it was determined the facility failed to provide a medical screening examination to a patient that presented to the Emergency Department.

Findings include:
Review on September 29, 2025, of facility policy EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act) with an effective date of June 2025, revealed " ... DEFINITIONS ... Emergency Central Log: is a comprehensive record maintained of all individuals who come to HSMC/HPD seeking emergency care. ... An emergency that requires a medical screening is defined as a condition that the 'lay person' requesting emergency treatment defines as an emergency. ... APPLICABILITY OF POLICY: The EMTALA obligation exists when the following occurs: 1. The patient presents to the hospital's emergency department and requests care for a medical condition. ... This policy applies to anyone who seeks emergency medical treatment and is on hospital property at HSMC/HPD ... PROCEDURE/GUIDELINES Medical Screening Examination (MSE). A MSE includes both a general and focused assessment based on the patient's chief complaint with the intent to determine the presence or absence of an emergency medical condition (EMC). ..."

Review of facility documents on September 29, 2025, revealed a patient presented to the Emergency Department on September 13, 2025, with complaints of a rash. The patient was not registered, and a medial exam was not completed. Further review of facility documents revealed EMP11 advised patient to try an oatmeal bath, and if no improvement noted to return. The patient left the hospital without receiveing a medical screening exam.

Interview with EMP1 on September 29, 2025, confirmed facility policy was not followed.