What should Emergency Department staff do if a patient who poses a risk to themselves leaves before an MSE is completed?

When a patient poses a risk to themselves and leaves the Emergency Department before a Medical Screening Examination (MSE) is completed, it is crucial for the staff to take immediate action to ensure the patient's safety and the safety of others. Notifying hospital security immediately is the correct course of action in this situation because it demonstrates a proactive approach to managing the risk the patient may pose to themselves or to others. Security personnel can help monitor the situation closely, assist in locating the patient, and prevent any potential harm.

The importance of this action lies in the obligations under EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act), which requires hospitals to provide an appropriate medical screening exam for anyone who presents to the ED and to ensure patient safety. Alerting security can facilitate a quick response to assess and manage any risks, and ensure that appropriate measures are taken whether it requires re-engagement with the patient or ensuring other safety protocols are in place.

While contacting the patient’s family might seem beneficial, it may not provide immediate assistance and does not directly address the urgency of ensuring the patient’s safety right when they leave. Ignoring the situation or waiting for the patient to return voluntarily fails to prioritize the immediate risks associated with the patient departing unattended.