QUESTION:
We are getting ready to switch from a paper handwritten log to an electronic log. My question is this … is there anything specific other than name, date, time, compliant and discharge disposition?
ANSWER:
CMS will want the discharge times also. Many state hospital regulations also have log requirements that must be incorporated. You will need a screen and printout format that can quickly be provided to site reviewers.
The display or printout should list presentations in sequential time order by date and display all of the log elements. Log entries must be accurate and complete for every patient. All presentations meeting the legal definitions must be listed even if no treatment was provided.
For more information see pp 206-210 EMTALA Field Guide 3rd Edition.
in California, the state defines what needs to be in the patient log.
Title XX!! defines those requirements.