Learning Objectives:

• Recognize EMTALA as a frequently cited deficiency for hospitals.
• Recall that CMS has a manual on EMTALA that all hospitals that accept Medicare must follow.
• Describe the requirement that hospitals must maintain a central log.
• Discuss the hospital’s requirement to maintain a list of the specific names of physicians who are on call to evaluate emergency department patients.
• Describe the CMS requirements on what must be in the EMTALA sign.
• Describe the hospital’s requirements regarding a minor who is brought to the ED by a non-parent for a medical screening exam.
• Discuss when the hospital must complete a certification of false labor.

Agenda:

• OIG and EMTALA
• Two-day visit with immediate jeopardy
• Common deficiency report by CMS
• QIO EMTALA physician worksheet
• EMTALA deficiencies
• Introduction and CMS manual
• Basic concept of EMTALA
• Cases in the News – EMTALA
• History of EMTALA
• CMS EMTALA website
• Recent court cases regarding pregnancy
• EMTALA memos
• OIG advisory opinions on EMTALA
• Compliance program
• CMS Conditions of Participation – EMTALA
• Basic section and provider agreement essentials
• EMTALA sign requirements
• To Whom EMTALA applies
• Reasonable registration process
• Financial questions from patients
• Patients who sign out AMA
• Whistle Blower protections
• Specialized capability
• Capacity definitions
• Policies and procedures required
• OB and behavior health violations
• EMTALA violations and monetary penalty cases
• Hospital reporting requirements – “Dumping”
• EMTALA signs examples
• Retention of medical records.

Who Should Attend:-

Emergency department managers, medical director, ED physicians and nurses and ED education staff; OB managers and nurses; behavioral health director and staff; CNO, nursing supervisors, nurse educators and staff nurses; outpatient directors; compliance officers, legal counsel, and risk manager; directors of hospital-based ambulance services; director of registration and staff; on-call physicians, chief medical officer, chief financial officer, patient safety officer and Joint Commission coordinator.