The Journal of medical practice management : MPM
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The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) was enacted in 1986. Its purpose was to ensure that all individuals receive necessary emergency services from hospitals and not be denied care (i.e., "patient dumping") because of their economic status or lack of insurance. In its application, EMTALA has reduced "patient dumping," but at great cost to hospitals and physicians as an unfunded mandate. ⋯ The new regulations attempt to restate the parameters of the law as it applies to the emergency department and the hospital, as well as to inpatients and outpatients. The new rules clarify on-call obligations for physicians, confirming guidance issued by CMS in June 2002. This article summarizes the salient features of these new regulations.