Committee approves narrow pathway allowing medically stable patients to arrange inter‑facility transport The committee adopted an amendment clarifying EMTALA carve‑outs and voted to pass HB 417, which permits medically stable patients (with physician approval) to transport themselves between facilities if they arrive within two hours, preserving a held bed.

Utah's new HB 417 could empower medically stable patients to choose their own transport options, but how will it navigate the complexities of EMTALA compliance?

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#UT #HealthcareAccess #CitizenPortal #EMTALACompliance #PatientTransport

Obstetric Emergencies Are the #1 Source of EMTALA Violations EMTALA compliance means ensuring equity and safety for all emergency patients.

Obstetric Emergencies—Hiding in Plain Sight - Nearly 1 in 6 EMTALA settlements involve OB emergencies. - Most commonly cited: incomplete screening, lack of stabilization, and poorly documented transfers. - OB units are legally considered dedicated EDs—so EMTALA applies in full.

Must-Do Clinical Practices - Perform a complete medical screening exam for mother and fetus. - Stabilize patients to your hospital’s capability. - Thoroughly record transfer decisions with risks, benefits, and required signatures.

Strengthen Communication and Protocols - Use clear, standardized checklists and protocols for every OB transfer. - Direct nurse-to-nurse and physician-to-physician handoffs reduce errors and risks. - Confirm transfer acceptance before departure and send complete records.

#RiskTipTuesday: Obstetric emergencies are the #1 source of EMTALA violations.
✅Perform screening exams
✅Stabilize before transfer
✅Document every step, every risk, every consent

Read the full post here: link.med-iq.com/IYYpqY
#PatientSafety #EMTALACompliance