How long must a hospital allow between diversion occurrences?

In the context of hospital diversion protocols, the correct choice indicates that hospitals must allow a minimum interval of 90 minutes between diversion occurrences. This requirement is important for several reasons.

Firstly, it ensures that a facility does not frequently divert patients, which can negatively impact emergency care in the community. High-frequency diversion can lead to delays in treatment for patients who may need urgent medical attention, potentially resulting in adverse health outcomes.

Secondly, the 90-minute interval provides hospitals with sufficient time to address the underlying issues that necessitated the diversion, such as staffing shortages or high patient volume. It allows for a more stable emergency response, ensuring that the hospital can adequately prepare to accept new patients once diversion is lifted.

Overall, this 90-minute rule is designed to promote coordinated patient care and ensure that emergency departments remain available to serve the community effectively, balancing resource management with patient care needs.