OAR 410-125-0401: Definitions: Emergent, Urgent, and Elective Admissions

(1) EMERGENT ADMISSION — an admission which occurs after the sudden onset of a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that a prudent layperson, who possesses an average knowledge of health and medicine could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in: (a) Placing their health or the health of an unborn child in serious jeopardy; (b) Serious impairment of bodily functions; or (c) Serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part. "Immediate medical attention" is defined as medical attention which could not be delayed by 24 hours. (2) URGENT ADMISSION — an admission which occurs for evaluation or treatment of a medical disorder that could become an emergency if not diagnosed or treated in a timely manner; that delay is likely to result in prolonged temporary impairment; and that unwarranted prolongation of treatment increases the risk of treatment by the need for more complex or hazardous treatment or the risk of development of chronic illness or inordinate physical or psychological suffering by the patient. An urgent admission is defined as one which could not have been delayed for a period of 72 hours. (3) ELECTIVE ADMISSION — an admission which is or could have been scheduled in advance and for which a delay of 72 hours or more in the delivery of medical treatment or diagnosis would not have substantially affected the health of the patient. See Prior Authorization section of the Hospital Services rules for requirements. [Publications: Publications referenced are available from the agency.]