Emergency Services
Hospital Emergency Access
Any person needing emergency medical care or any woman in active labor may not be denied access to appropriate emergency medical services and care. Emergency services and care means medical screening, examination and evaluation by a physician, or by authorized personnel under the supervision of a physician, to determine if an emergency medical condition exists.
Emergency Services Inventory and Exemptions
Hospitals offering emergency services must report to the Agency an inventory of services which are within the service capability of the hospital. If a hospital determines it is unable to provide a service on a 24 hour per day, 7 day per week basis, either directly or indirectly through arrangement with another hospital or physician(s), the hospital must file an application with the Agency to request a service exemption.
DOH Trauma Center Designation
As part of the emergency services inventory, hospitals indicate if they have met trauma center criteria. The Department of Health has the responsibility for the planning and establishment of a statewide trauma system so all applications for trauma center designation must be sent to the Department of Health's Office of Trauma. Applications, statute and rule references, and a list of current certified trauma centers and contact information are available on their web site.
Hospital-based Off-campus Emergency Departments
Any Florida licensed hospital which has a dedicated emergency department may provide emergency services in a location off of the hospital's main premises. The hospital-based off-campus emergency department must be under the same direction, offer the same services, and comply with the same regulatory requirements as the emergency department located on the hospital's main premises. There are no additional rules or standards specific for emergency departments located off the premises of the licensed hospital.
Hospitals desiring to offer off-campus emergency departments must meet the physical plant review requirements of s. 395.0163, F.S. The Agency must review the facility's plans and specifications before any construction can begin. Reviews are also conducted during the construction phase and final physical plant approval is granted when the facility is determined to meet all applicable hospital building codes. Off-campus emergency departments must also meet the occupancy and construction requirements of the Life Safety Code for a Health Care Occupancy and Florida Building Code for an Institutional I-2 occupancy. Contact the Agency's Office of Plans and Construction for details.
An application to add a hospital-based off-campus emergency department must be made on AHCA Form 3130-8001 with documentation providing proof of ownership or right to occupy the premises. The hospital's emergency services inventory must be updated, if applicable. Refer to the hospital application checklist for additional instructions.
State of Florida Emergency Medical Services Plan
Pursuant to sections 395.103 and 401.015, F.S., hospitals with an emergency department must have an onsite telecommunications device that meets the requirements of the EMS Communications Plan.
