Pediatric emergency care
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All US hospitals that participate in Medicare and Medicaid are regulated by the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA). The law was enacted to prevent hospitals from turning away patients with emergency medical conditions. The law imposes specific obligations on hospitals and their physicians, and provides severe penalties for violations. The objective of this study was to evaluate hospital-based pediatric physicians' knowledge of these obligations and potential liabilities. ⋯ Physicians at this pediatric hospital were strikingly unaware of their EMTALA obligations and potential liabilities. A specific educational program regarding EMTALA should be provided to hospital-based pediatric physicians to improve compliance with the law and reduce potential liabilities.