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Based on a review of facility documentation, and staff interview (EMP), it was determined that Elk Regional Health Center failed to provide an appropriate medical screening for one of one patient presenting to their Emergency Department.

Findings include:

Review of "Medical Staff Bylaws of Elk Regional Health Center, Rules and Regulations of the Medical-Dental Staff, " amended November 29, 2012, revealed, "... F. Emergency Services ... 8. Any patient who presents to the Emergency Department will be provided with a timely and appropriate medical screening examination within the capability of the hospital Emergency Department to determine whether an emergency medical condition exists. A medical screening is defined as the examination and evaluation process consistently used by a qualified medical person, including ancillary services routinely available to the Emergency Department to determine or diagnose whether or not the patient has an emergency medical condition. Emergency medical screenings may be performed by a licensed MD or DO who is a member of the Medical Staff, or a member of the Allied Health Practitioner Staff, including Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners, if they have been credentialed to do so ... ."


A review of Elk Regional Health Center, EMTALA Policy, reviewed November 7, 2011, revealed, " ... To establish guidelines for a Medical Screening Examination and to safely and appropriately transfer patients in accordance with Federal and State law. ... General Statement of Policy and Goals: Persons presenting to Elk Regional Health Center who request medical treatment shall receive a medical screening examination within the capabilities of the Hospital and the ancillary services routinely available, including the services of appropriate speciality physicians on-call when necessary. Patients shall not be denied evaluation, screening, treatment, or stabilization on the basis of means or ability to pay, or solely for physician convenience. ... ."


1) The Emergency Department Registry was reviewed. PT1 was entered into the Registry on March 13, 2013, however, it was noted to have hand drawn lines through it, indicating the entry was then crossed out. PT1 was also identified on the Weekly Log. This patient was identified as a Priority 4 ... Chief Complaint: Fever ... Location: ER ... . It was noted that the Disposition and Depart times were left blank.

2) A request was made for the medical record of PT1. The facility was unable to produce a medical record for PT1 for the Emergency Department visit of March 13, 2013.