ED management : the monthly update on emergency department management
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When caring for local or national VIPs, take extra steps to ensure the correct diagnosis is made without giving preferential treatment. Consult with colleagues to double-check your decision making in person or over the telephone. When asking for a second opinion, don't give the consultant your diagnosis. If you fill out an incident report, never allude to that in the patient's chart.
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An algorithm can help convey basic EMTALA compliance information to ED staff. An algorithm can instruct staff to perform duties in the correct order. Every ED staff member needs to understand EMTALA requirements, because all employees have the potential for violations. Complex EMTALA issues call for personal consultation with the hospital's EMTALA coordinator or risk manager.