CMS Issues EMTALA Violation to Methodist Southlake Medical Center

By Reasa Selph

In April 2024, Methodist Southlake Medical Center was cited by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for violations of federal emergency care law. According to official documents, the hospital failed to meet the minimum standard of care required under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) during a pediatric emergency visit in December 2023.

What the CMS Findings Reveal

Following a complaint survey and medical record review, CMS concluded the hospital:

• Failed to provide an appropriate medical screening exam as required under 42 CFR §489.24

• Did not order or review a Complete Blood Count (CBC) despite presenting fever and abnormal vitals

• Overlooked multiple abnormal lab results, including elevated creatinine, glucose, AST, and bilirubin

• Discharged the patient with no reassessment of vital signs, violating their own nursing policy

• Did not communicate abnormal lab findings to the patient’s family before discharge

  
  

CMS noted that these deficiencies occurred "within the capability of the hospital’s emergency department" and involved readily available testing and procedures. Despite this, the hospital failed to recognize or act on clinical indicators of a potential emergency medical condition.

“The medical director identified that Staff #2 failed to recognize the signs of sepsis.”— CMS EMTALA Violation Summary, A2406CMS

Legal and Compliance Implications

The EMTALA citation is not merely procedural—it carries federal compliance consequences. Violations of §489.24 can result in financial penalties, Medicare contract jeopardy, and mandatory corrective actions. In this case, the incident has been formally referred to CMS Region VI for compliance enforcement review.

The citation confirms a system-level failure to meet emergency care obligations under federal law.

Key Deficiencies Documented by CMS:

• Tag A2400: Failure to comply with EMTALA as a hospital with an emergency department

• Tag A2406: Failure to conduct an appropriate Medical Screening Exam

• Lack of sepsis workup despite red-flag vitals and labs

• Missing documentation of fever in discharge vitals by nursing staff

• Discharge without full reassessment or treatment initiation

  
  

Why This Matters

While state law sets a high bar for medical malpractice claims, EMTALA is federal law—designed to ensure no patient is denied appropriate emergency care regardless of payment status or diagnosis complexity. This documented violation strengthens the public interest argument for accountability and system-wide improvement in emergency room practices.

Source Documents Available:

• [CMS EMTALA Violation – Full Report PDF]

• [CMS Complaint Survey Statement of Deficiencies PDF]

  
  

For journalists, patient advocates, and policymakers: these documents are evidence of federally confirmed lapses in emergency care—and may inform future oversight, reform, or legislative action.