Description

Hospitals must comply with CMS emergency services requirements and EMTALA obligations under the 2026 Conditions of Participation. Whether an acute care hospital or a Critical Access Hospital (CAH), facilities are required to maintain policies, staffing, equipment, and protocols that meet federal standards established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and enforced under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act.

This webinar provides a detailed review of CMS Hospital Conditions of Participation related to emergency services, EMTALA compliance requirements, and newly implemented maternal safety standards. Healthcare leaders will gain practical guidance to remain survey-ready and reduce regulatory risk in 2026.

Learning Objectives:-

• Describe the requirement for emergency services in an acute hospital to be integrated into other services
• Recall the 14 emergency department written policies a Critical Access Hospital should have to address emergency services
• Describe that CMS has a list of emergency drugs and equipment that every CAH must have
• Recall that hospitals must also comply with EMTALA requirements in addition to emergency services requirements.

Agenda:-

CMS Emergency Services Requirements – Acute Hospitals

• Need for P&P
• Qualified RN to assess patients
• Basic patient care requirements
• Services must meet patient needs
• Following standards of practice
• Integrated into hospital PI
• Qualified medical director
• Policies required
• Training required
• Urgent care clinics
• Supervision of services
• Adequate personnel
• Emergency Services Readiness

Emergency Services Requirements – Critical Access Hospitals (CAH)

• Recommended 14 Emergency department policies
• ED staffing
• Equipment, Supplies, and Medication
• Blood and Blood Products
• Staffing/Personnel
• Coordination with Emergency Response Systems
• Emergency medical services
• Emergency procedures

EMTALA Obligations for Hospitals

• Basic obligations
• Capacity and Capability
• Physician lists
• Central log
• Medical Screening examination
• Pregnant patients and stabilization
• Admit or transfer

Obstetrical Services & Maternal Safety Standards

• Organization and staffing
• Delivery of services
• Required equipment
• Provisions and protocols
• Staff training requirements

Appendix and Resources

Who Should Attend?

• CEOs
• Chief Nursing Officer
• Accreditation and regulation director
• Nurse managers/supervisors
• Quality managers
• Risk managers
• Nurses
• Nurse educators
• Patient safety officer
• Emergency department directors.