What is the primary responsibility of a facility regarding physician services during emergencies?

The primary responsibility of a facility regarding physician services during emergencies is to provide or arrange 24-hour physician services. This ensures that there is always a qualified physician available to respond to emergencies as they arise, which is crucial for patient safety and quality of care. Having continuous access to physician expertise allows for timely interventions, appropriate treatment decisions, and overall better outcomes in emergency situations. A facility must be adequately prepared to handle any patient emergencies that occur at any time, including nights and weekends, which is why around-the-clock physician services are a fundamental requirement.

Other options, such as relying on telehealth or only having a physician on call, may not fully meet the needs of all emergency situations. Effective emergency response often requires immediate, on-site assessments and interventions that telehealth cannot always provide, especially in urgent cases where physical presence is essential for diagnosis and treatment.