AHA issues recommendations
The American Hospital Association issued guidelines that hospitals should use to review their policies. Here is partial content of the guidelines:
· Make sure you know what your hospital's ED policy is on sending staff outside the ED and off-hospital premises to deliver care. Review the policy to determine if it allows flexibility for staff to use their best judgment. Remember that federal regulations require that a hospital must screen all patients on hospital property who request care to determine whether they have an emergency medical condition. Those who do must be stabilized or appropriately transferred. These requirements apply to all settings on the hospital campus (i.e., ambulatory surgery areas, physician offices), not just the ED.
· Educate your ED staff on your policy. Determine when the last training session was for ED staff and consider a "refresher" course for them. It's especially important to train and educate any contract workers you may employ in key areas. Make sure your communications, security, and any other appropriate departments are aware of that policy.
· This case has raised many quality and public perception issues. Consider touching base with local community leaders and the media to reassure them about your policies, procedures, and commitment to patients.
· Regardless of what your policy is, this is a good time to reconnect with your community ED response agencies such as the rescue squad and police and fire departments. Ensuring coordination and understanding of each entity's responsibilities goes a long way to avoiding misunderstanding if such incidents arise.
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