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EMTALA Online -- Health Law Resource Center


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HCFA language for COBRA Signs

The following language is required by the Health Care Financing Administration to be posted in all public entrances, registration areas, emergency department treatment waiting areas (including separate areas for obstetrics, psychiatry, and urgent care clinics where patients present on an unscheduled basis). This language is awkward, but its what the government wants...





IT'S THE LAW



IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY OR ARE IN
LABOR, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE,
within the capabilities of this hospital's staff
and facilities:

An appropriate Medical SCREENING EXAMINATION

Necessary STABILIZING TEATMENT
(including treatment for an unborn child) and, if necessary,

An appropriate TRANSFER to another facility
Even if YOU CANNOT PAY or DO NOT HAVE
MEDICAL INSURANCE
or
YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO MEDICARE OR MEDICAID

This hospital (DOES/DOES NOT) participate in the Medicaid Program


This sign must be clearly visible from a distance of 20 feet away or from patient's likely viewing point and posted in a manner likely to be seen. This requirement typically requires signs in general areas to by approximately 18" x 20". Signs must be posted in foreign languages where applicable, and the same size requirements apply. Signs in small cubicles or areas less than 20 feet may be smaller, but still must be clearly visible. Conflicting signs are not permitted if they detract from the COBRA sign or may raise confusion by references to payment, advanced authorization, co-pays, etc.


Frew Consulting Group, Ltd. no longer sells EMTALA signs, but for those seeking to purchase signs, we have arranged for a continued supplier of the signs.


The two styles of signs are depicted in the following photo. The photos are fuzzy due to the inherent limitations of internet graphics, but are sharp and clear in real life. The sign on the left is the heavy lexan-coveredsign that is approximately 3/16ths of an inch thick and approximately 18"x 20" in size. This sign has square corners and can be wallmounted as is, or by framing. The righthand example is a sign printed directly to heavy guage plastic it is approximately 1/8th inch thick and is approximately the same six as the the other sign. This sign has rounded edges, and it typically is applied directly to walls with adhesive patches or is sometimes framed. The signs are available in English and Spanish. Special language orders may be available by special order.



For further information on prices, shipping, and availability, contact:

EMTALAsigns@aol.com



This page, and all contents, are Copyright © 1995-2002 by Frew Consulting, Rockford, Illinois, USA. No claim to original government works.

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