Hospital Draws EMTALA Cite For Language Violation

This hospital got cited for failure to post EMTALA signs properly. Investigators allege that there were no EMTALA signs in the waiting area of the ED (Tag A2402).

In addition, the hospital was located in an area with high populations of Hispanic and Hmong population. The only foreign language sign noted by surveyors was a Spanish language EMTALA sign in the Triage area.

CMS standards require that signs be posted in languages of foreign groups with significant populations in the hospital’s service area. Foreign language signs have the same location and visibility standards as English language EMTALA signs. Posting foreign language translations in smaller size below English signs has been cited as non-compliant.

A2402-WI-2013-4-9

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