Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA)
In 1986, Congress enacted the Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA) to ensure public access to emergency services regardless of ability to pay. Section 1867 of the Social Security Act imposes specific obligations on Medicare-participating hospitals that offer emergency services to provide a medical screening examination (MSE) when a request is made for examination or treatment for an emergency medical condition (EMC), including active labor, regardless of an individual's ability to pay. Hospitals are then required to provide stabilizing treatment for patients with EMCs. If a hospital is unable to stabilize a patient within its capability, or if the patient requests, an appropriate transfer should be implemented.
Downloads
Related Links
- Revisions to Appendix V - Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) 2009 Final Rule Revisions to EMTALA Regulations [Survey and Certification Letter 09-26]
- Policy & Memos to States and Regions
- Transmittal (05/21/2004): Release of Basic Manual (State Operations Manual)
- Transmittal (11/22/2004): Payment for Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) - Mandated Screening and Stabilization Services
- Page last Modified: 03/26/2012 8:43 AM
- Help with File Formats and Plug-Ins