CMS SOM App. A, Tag A-0583

Interpretive Guidelines §482.27(a)(1)

The hospital must provide emergency laboratory services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These

onsite emergency services may be provided directly by the hospital or through onsite contracted

laboratory services. Emergency lab services include collection, processing, and provision of

results to meet a patient's emergency laboratory needs.

In a hospital with multiple hospital campuses, these emergency laboratory services must be

available onsite 24/7 at each campus.

The medical staff must determine which laboratory services are to be immediately available to

meet the emergency laboratory needs of patients who may be currently at the hospital or those

patients who may arrive at the hospital in an emergency condition. The emergency laboratory

services (procedures, tests, personnel) available should reflect the scope and complexity of the

hospital’s operation and be provided in accordance with Federal and State law, regulations and

guidelines and acceptable standards of practice.

At a hospital with off-campus locations the medical staff must determine which, if any,

laboratory services must be immediately available to meet the emergency laboratory needs of the

patients who are likely to seek care at each off-campus location. The emergency laboratory

services available must reflect the scope and complexity of the hospital's operations at the

location and be provided in accordance with Federal and State law, regulations and guidelines

and acceptable standards of practice. The services must be available during the hours of

operation of that location.

Survey Procedures §482.27(a)(1)

Review the written description of the emergency laboratory services. Review records (including

accession records, worksheets, and test reports) to verify the 24-hour availability of emergency

services and that those services are provided when required.