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Emergency Medicine Treatment and Labor Act, EMTALA

  • See Also
  1. Emergency Medical Service (EMS)
  2. EMS Trauma Triage Protocol
  3. Trauma Center
  • Background
  1. Emergency Medicine Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) was Enacted in U.S. in 1986 as part of COBRA
  2. Ensures access to emergency services regardless of ability to pay
  3. Applies to most hospitals in the United States (those that accept CMS payment)
  • Criteria
  1. Includes an emergency medical screening to determine if a medical emergency exists
  2. Defines obligations regarding medical stabilization, appropriate transfer, and active labor
  3. Ravenswood Rule (250 yard rule)
    1. Required to respond within 250 yards of the main hospital campus building to medical emergencies
    2. Exception (2010): Helipad emergencies if not receiving hospital (unless help requested by EMS or patient)
  • Resources
  1. https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/EMTALA/index.html?redirect=/emtala/
  2. http://www.emtala.com/faq.htm