SECTION 310:667-40-14. Emergency services

(a)   General. The EH shall provide emergency stabilization and treatment services commensurate with emergency medical needs of the community and EH service area. All services shall be provided in accordance with acceptable standards of practice, compliant with applicable state and federal laws.

(b)   Organization and direction. The service shall be directed by personnel deemed qualified by the governing body and integrated with the nursing stabilization and observation unit of the EH.

(1)   Services shall be organized under the direction of a qualified member of the medical and professional staff. Nursing functions shall be the responsibility of a registered nurse and shall be supervised by the director of nursing.

(2)   There shall be written policies and procedures that establish protocols for emergency services provided. Policies shall also include written procedures for stabilization and transfer of patients whose treatment needs cannot be met at the EH. EH emergency service policies shall include protocols for emergency deliveries if the patient cannot be safely transferred.

(c)   Facilities, medications, equipment and supplies. Facilities, medications, equipment and supplies shall be provided to ensure prompt initial diagnosis and emergency medical treatment.

(1)   The emergency services area shall be in close proximity to an exterior entrance of the EH.

(2)   Medications commonly used in life-saving procedures shall be provided. These shall include but not be limited to the following drugs and biologicals: analgesics, local anesthetics, antibiotics, serums and toxoids, antiarrythmics, cardiac glycosides, antihypertensives, diuretics, electrolytes, plasma expanders and replacement solutions.

(3)   Equipment and supplies commonly used in life-saving procedures shall be provided. These shall include but not be limited to: airways, endotracheal tubes, laryngoscope, ambu bag/valve/mask, obstetrics pack, tracheostomy set, oxygen, tourniquets, immobilization devices, nasogastric tubes, splints, IV therapy supplies, suction machine, defibrillator, cardiac monitor, chest tubes, and indwelling urinary catheters.

(4)   The emergency service shall be equipped with a base station radio using medical frequencies VHF 155.340 or UHF Medical Channels 1 through 10 and/or compatible frequencies with emergency medical services operating in the area. Direct communications between the emergency service and the on-call physician or licensed independent practitioner and the on-call or on-site registered nurse shall be established as specified at OAC 310:667-40-2(b).

(d)   Medical and nursing personnel. There shall be adequate medical and nursing personnel qualified in emergency care available at all times to meet the emergency service needs of the EH.

(1)   A physician or licensed independent practitioner shall be available at all times to directly communicate with EH staff providing emergency care. The physician or licensed independent practitioner shall be able to be physically present at the EH as specified by written facility policy.

(2)   A physician or licensed independent practitioner shall be on duty or on call at all times. This physician or practitioner shall be able to present at the EH in a period of time not to exceed twenty (20) minutes.

(3)   A registered nurse shall be available at all times to assess, evaluate, and supervise the nursing care provided. If the EH has no inpatients, the registered nurse may be available on an on-call basis if he or she can return to the EH in a period of time not to exceed twenty (20) minutes when a patient presents to the emergency service. All emergency medical patients shall be evaluated on-site by a registered nurse unless the patient is evaluated on-site by a physician or licensed independent practitioner.

(4)   Adequate support staff shall be available on-site to meet the emergency service needs of the EH. If the EH has no inpatients and registered nursing services are provided on an on-call basis, the emergency service shall be staffed with at least an intermediate or paramedic level emergency medical technician. All EH staff providing emergency services shall have current CPR certification.

(e)   Emergency medical records.

(1)   Adequate medical records on every patient shall be kept. Each record shall contain the following as applicable:

(A)   Patient identification.

(B)   Time and means of injury.

(C)   History of disease or injury.

(D)   Physical findings.

(E)   Laboratory and x-ray reports, if any.

(F)   Diagnosis and therapeutic orders.

(G)   Record of treatment including vital signs.

(H)   Disposition of the case.

(I)   Signature of the registered nurse.

(J)   Signature of the physician or licensed independent practitioner, if applicable.

(K)   Documentation if the patient left against medical advice.

(2)   Medical records for patients treated by the emergency service shall be organized and where appropriate integrated with inpatient records. A method of filing (hard copy or electronic) shall be maintained which assures prompt retrieval.

(f)   Drug and biologicals distribution and control. Drugs and biologicals in the emergency service shall be securely maintained and controlled by staff at all times. If the service does not have staff present at all times, all drugs and biologicals shall be secured in sealed or locked storage with devices placed to denote tampering. All Schedule II drugs shall be stored as specified by OAC 310:667-21-8(c). All drugs and biologicals shall be administered and dispensed as required by state law.

(g)   Patient examinations, treatments and transfers. Patient examinations, treatments and transfers shall be conducted in accordance with 42 U.S.C. (1395dd) and 42 U.S.C. (1395cc) and with the regulations at 42 CFR part 489.20 and 489.24.

[Source: Added at 20 Ok Reg 1664, eff 6-12-03]