West Tennessee Healthcare Agreed to Pay $340,000 for Allegedly Violating Patient Dumping Statute by Failing to Provide Appropriate Medical Screening Examinations and[...]

West Tennessee Healthcare Agreed to Pay $340,000 for Allegedly Violating Patient Dumping Statute by Failing to Provide Appropriate Medical Screening Examinations and Appropriate Transfers

On February 13, 2026, Jackson-Madison County General Hospital District doing business as West Tennessee Healthcare (WTH) entered into a $340,231.20 settlement agreement with OIG. WTH includes two hospitals operating under assumed names: West Tennessee Healthcare Camden Hospital (Camden), Camden, Tennessee, and West Tennessee Healthcare Volunteer Hospital Martin (Volunteer), Martin, Tennessee. The settlement agreement resolves allegations that WTH violated the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). Based on its investigation, OIG concluded that on four occasions WTH failed to provide appropriate medical screening examinations and on two occasions failed to effectuate appropriate transfers.

Patient A presented to Volunteer's Emergency Department (ED) in May 2024 from a skilled nursing facility (SNF) after a seizure and falling and hitting her head. The patient was diagnosed with breakthrough seizure and scalp hematoma and discharged back to the SNF. While the patient presented with neurological symptoms, the patient's neurological status was not reassessed prior to discharge. Following the patient's return to the SNF, the SNF staff noted that the patient was lethargic and was no longer talking or moving her extremities. The following day, the patient was transported back to Volunteer's ED via ambulance. This time, the ED provider ordered a CT, which showed an acute C2 fracture. The patient was transferred to a Level 1 Trauma facility. Volunteer did not provide an appropriate medical screening examination during Patient A's first visit to Volunteer's ED.

Patient B presented to Camden's ED in July 2024 with chief complaint of burns and syncope. The patient was diagnosed with first and second degree burns and discharged home with instructions to apply over-the-counter aloe vera to her burns and provided a prescription for oral pain medication. Despite extensive burns, the ED physician did not consult with a burn center. Moreover, Patient B did not receive a workup for her syncope. The following day, Patient B presented to a different hospital, where she had a burn consult and was diagnosed with 12.9% body surface second degree burns and 1.4% body surface third degree burns. She underwent two surgeries for skin grafts and daily wound care, and required extensive occupational and physical therapy. She also was evaluated and received treatment for her syncope. Camden did not provide an appropriate medical screening examination during Patient B's visit to Camden's ED.

Patient C presented to Camden's ED in February 2024 with chief complaint of burns. The ED physician diagnosed Patient C with second degree burns and discharged him home with prescriptions for oral pain medication and topical burn cream. Despite extensive burns, the ED physician did not contact a burn center. Two days later, Patient C presented to another hospital where he was diagnosed with third degree burns and was admitted to the hospital and underwent two skin graft surgeries, received daily wound care, and required extensive occupational and physical therapy. Camden did not provide an appropriate medical screening examination during Patient C's visit to Camden's ED.

Patient D presented to Camden's ED in May 2024 with a complaint of suicidal ideations. A psychiatric risk assessment was completed and the patient was listed as high risk for suicide. Suicide safety measures were initiated by nursing and a sitter was placed. Patient D required inpatient psychiatric care that was not available at Camden, and Patient D was accepted at an inpatient psychiatric facility. Camden arranged for Patient D to be transported to a higher level of care via private vehicle with a family member, instead of being transported by a qualified, trained professional. Camden did not effectuate and appropriate transfer for Patient D.

Patient E presented to Camden's ED in June 2024 with a complaint of suicidal and homicidal ideation. Patient E received an appropriate medical screening examination and was accepted by an inpatient psychiatric facility for further treatment. Camden arranged for Patient E to be transported to a higher level of care via private vehicle with a family member, instead of being transported by a qualified, trained professional. Camden did not effectuate an appropriate transfer for Patient E.

Patient F presented to Camden's ED in March 2024 with chief complaint of audible hallucinations and appeared to have had a recent total hip arthroplasty. The ED physician did not provide a full neurologic exam and did not assess Patient F's suicide risk. Further, Patient F had a heart rate of 108 and his blood pressure was significantly elevated at 209/181 (significant hypertension) immediately prior to discharge. Camden did not perform an appropriate medical screening examination for Patient F.