Number: RS22738
Title: EMTALA: Access to Emergency Medical Care
Authors: Edward C. Liu, American Law Division 
Abstract: The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) ensures universal access to emergency medical care at all Medicare participating hospitals with emergency departments. Under EMTALA, any person who seeks emergency medical care at a covered facility, regardless of ability to pay, immigration status, or any other characteristic, is guaranteed an appropriate screening exam and stabilization treatment before transfer or discharge. Since its enactment in 1986, the differing interpretations of the statute's requirements by various courts and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have resulted in conflicts, several of which remain unresolved.
Pages: 6
Date: May 8, 2008