WAC 246-320-281   Emergency services.  The purpose of this section is to guide the management and care of patients receiving emergency services. Hospitals are not required to provide these services in order to be licensed.

     If providing emergency services, hospitals must:

     (1) Adopt and implement policies and procedures, consistent with RCW 70.170.060, for every patient presenting to the emergency department with an emergency medical condition to include:

     Transfer of a patient with an emergency medical condition or who is in active labor based on:

     (a) Patient request;

     (b) Inability to treat the patient due to facility capability;

     (c) Staff availability or bed availability; and

     (d) The ability of the receiving hospital to accept and care for the patient;

     (2) Maintain the capacity to perform emergency triage and medical screening exam twenty-four hours per day;

     (3) Define the qualifications and oversight of staff delivering emergency care services;

     (4) Use hospital policies and procedures which define standards of care;

     (5) Assure at least one registered nurse skilled and trained in emergency care services on duty and in the hospital at all times, who is:

     (a) Immediately available to provide care; and

     (b) Trained and current in advanced cardiac life support;

     (6) Post names and telephone numbers of medical and other staff on call;

     (7) Assure communication with agencies and health care providers as indicated by patient condition; and

     (8) Assure emergency equipment, supplies and services necessary to meet the needs of presenting patients are immediately available.



[Statutory Authority: Chapter 70.41 RCW and RCW 43.70.040. 09-07-050, § 246-320-281, filed 3/11/09, effective 4/11/09.]