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 Chatham's Emergency Department (ED) via emergency medical services (EMS). Prior to arrival, EMS called in a report about D.L.’s condition to Chatham's ED, who stated they did not have a cardiologist available and could not manage the patient. EMS continued the transport to Chatham's ED. Upon arrival at Chatham’s ED, EMS was met in the ambulance bay by Chatham's nursing employee. An exchange occurred between EMS and Chatham's nursing employee and EMS left Chatham’s ED without D.L. receiving the EMTALA required medical screening exam. Senior Counsel Julie Redlinger represented OIG.

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