UNC Health Chatham Hospital Agreed to Pay $49,000 for Allegedly Violating Patient Dumping Statute by Failing to Provide Appropriate Medical Screening Examination

On March 1, 2024, UNC Health Chatham Hospital (Chatham), Siler City, North Carolina, entered into a $49,000 settlement agreement with OIG. The settlement agreement resolves allegations that Chatham violated the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) when it failed to provide an appropriate medical screening examination. Based on its investigation, OIG concluded that on January 16, 2022, Chatham violated the requirements of EMTALA by failing to provide an appropriate medical screening examination, within the capabilities of its staff and facilities, to D.L., a 62-year-old patient who presented to Chathamĺs Emergency Department (ED) via emergency medical services (EMS). Prior to arrival, EMS called in a report about D.L.ĺs condition to Chathamĺs ED, who stated they did not have a cardiologist available and could not manage the patient. EMS continued the transport to Chathamĺs ED. Upon arrival at Chathamĺs ED, EMS was met in the ambulance bay by Chathamĺs nursing employee. An exchange occurred between EMS and Chathamĺs nursing employee and EMS left Chathamĺs ED without D.L. receiving the EMTALA required medical screening exam. Senior Counsel Julie Redlinger represented OIG.

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