Emergency services: status categorization is dynamic.

Abstract

If hospitals do not categorize themselves, it is very possible that categorization of emergency capabilities will be imposed by some local, state, or federal agency, probably using the rigid guidelines. The use of status categorization could be an alternative method of evaluating hospital emergency capabilities, especially when consideration is given to the ability to handle medical problems and to the shifting capabilities at different times of the day and night. Ignoring the problem or downgrading the rigid guidelines to include all hospitals are ineffective.