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July 28, 2006 CMS on July 13 issued a letter outlining the respective obligations of sending and receiving hospitals, under EMTALA, when a patient is transferred to a hospital and remains on a stretcher or in an ambulance awaiting the receiving hospital to begin treatment. CMS advises that this practice is not permissible, under both EMTALA and Medicare Conditions of Participation. The issue presented in this letter is relevant, among other things, to the situation in the Chicago area involving transfers of patients with psychiatric conditions. I believe our group will want to discuss this directive at our earliest opportunity. The referenced letter is attached for your information and review (click here). It contains contact information should you have questions of CMS. | |
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