US · guidance
CMS SOM App. W, Tag C-0898
§485.618(e) Standard: Coordination With Emergency Response Systems
The CAH must, in coordination with emergency response systems in the area,
establish procedures under which a doctor of medicine or osteopathy is immediately
available by telephone or radio contact on a 24-hours a day basis to receive
emergency calls, provide information on treatment of emergency patients, and refer
patients to the CAH or other appropriate locations for treatment.
Interpretive Guidelines §485.618(e)
The CAH, not the local ambulance service, is responsible for ensuring that an effective
procedure is in place to meet this requirement.
Survey Procedures §485.618(e)
• Verify that the CAH has policies and procedures in place to ensure an MD/DO is
available by telephone or radio, on a 24-hour a day basis to receive emergency
calls and provide medical direction in emergency situations?
• What evidence demonstrates that the procedures are followed and evaluated for
effectiveness?
• Interview staff to see how an MD/DO is contacted when emergency instructions
are needed.
History
Rev. 200, Issued: 02-21-20; Effective: 02-21-20, Implementation: 02-21-20
Provenance
- Source
- cms.gov
- Retrieved
- 2026-07-22
- Edition
- som-2026-07-22
- Content hash
ffc27391799df99db1c346ba2abd010b765bd11d210f443b77876d3eb8ad9a10
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