Final answer:
The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) is a federal law that requires hospitals to provide emergency medical services to individuals regardless of their ability to pay. The law ensures that anyone who arrives at an emergency department receives a medical screening examination and necessary treatment. EMTALA applies to all hospitals participating in Medicare and prevents patient dumping based on financial status.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) is a federal law that requires hospitals to provide emergency medical services to individuals regardless of their ability to pay. The law ensures that anyone who arrives at an emergency department receives a medical screening examination to determine if an emergency medical condition exists. If a condition is found, hospitals are required to provide necessary stabilizing treatment.
EMTALA was enacted in 1986 and applies to all hospitals that participate in Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older and individuals with certain disabilities. The law aims to prevent patient dumping, which is the refusal to treat or transfer patients based on their inability to pay for medical services.
For example, if a person is experiencing chest pains and visits an emergency department, the hospital is obligated to evaluate and stabilize the patient, even if they don't have health insurance or financial means to pay.