Title: EMTALA, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act
Headings: EMTALA: The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act
EMTALA: The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act
Emergency Rooms Must Screen and Stabilize Regardless of Ability to Pay
Legal Duties of Hospitals Under the EMTALA Law
EMTALA Does Not Provide Free Care

Content: They can report the sending hospital for an EMTALA violation later. EMTALA Does Not Provide Free Care
While hospitals are required to examine and treat patients under EMTALA, their services are not free. They may bill the patient and sue them for unpaid bills. They do not need to provide outpatient care after discharge, but they must refer them to clinics and programs that may provide them at a reduced cost or for free. Hospitals can't refuse to treat patients presenting under EMTALA who already owe them money. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up
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