The federal health minister wants an explanation from the Tasmanian government over a plan to put patients in corridors and alcoves at Hobart's major hospital to deal with overcrowding.
Patients would be moved from beds to chairs at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) and given a bell to attract attention under a proposal developed by clinicians.
The hospital has been plagued by overcrowding - a mental health patient was reportedly forced to sleep on the floor of the emergency department at the weekend.
Independent Tasmanian MP Andrew Wilkie asked the prime minister whether he'd fix the problem during federal question time on Wednesday.
"I don't think it is okay," Scott Morrison said in response.
"The minister for health has written to the Tasmanian government seeking an update on the issues you've raised."
Tasmania's Labor opposition has labelled the plan "horrific" and akin to a natural-disaster scenario.
But state Health Minister Michael Ferguson told parliament similar protocols were used around the country.
"The proposals are not reinventing the wheel," he said.
"Other jurisdictions are using similar protocols to ensure that patients who are the sickest, and need care the most, get it."
The plan has been supported by the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine and the Australian Medical Association, Mr Ferguson said.
"Doctors don't want to see people improvising and laying down on the floor," he added.
The bed-to-chair plan would only be used in times of "very high demand" and was still in the discussion phase, RHH executive clinical director Craig Quarmby said.
"The measures under discussion are for strictly identified patients who are ready for discharge or transfer from the RHH," he said in a statement.
"All suggested areas (for patients to be moved) have been identified by staff as being potentially suitable."
A state legislative inquiry recently heard of bed shortages in emergency departments at the RHH and a lack of nurses across Tasmania.
