Warning: are you using nonphysicians for MSEs? Rethink this risky practice.
Using nonphysicians to give patients medical screening examinations (MSEs) has resulted in numerous lawsuits, EMTALA violations, and adverse outcomes, yet the practice is common in EDs. EMTALA experts advise against using nurses to perform MSEs. Educate staff that triage is not a substitute for an MSE. Follow protocols strictly and document the adequacy of the scope of the MSE.
D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D016365:Liability, Legal; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010360:Patient Transfer / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000592:standards*; D014218:Triage / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States