1. Overview

EMTALA is a federal law that requires anyone coming to an emergency department to receive a medical screening examination and stabilizing treatment if needed, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. E Medical Center fully complies with EMTALA and all related regulations.

2. Emergency Medical Screening Examination

If you come to the emergency department with an emergency medical condition, you have the right to:

• Receive a medical screening examination to determine if you have an emergency medical condition
• Receive stabilizing treatment if an emergency medical condition is identified
• Be transferred or discharged only after your condition is stabilized or appropriately documented

3. Definition of Emergency Medical Condition

An emergency medical condition means a condition with acute symptoms of sufficient severity that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably be expected to result in:

• Serious jeopardy to the individual’s health or to the health of an unborn child
• Serious impairment to bodily functions
• Serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part
• In the case of a pregnant woman, active labor with insufficient time to transfer before delivery or transfer may pose a threat to the health or safety of the woman or unborn child

4. Stabilization Requirement

If an emergency medical condition is identified, E Medical Center will provide stabilizing treatment within its capacity and capability. Stabilization means that no material deterioration of the condition is likely to occur within or outside of the facility.

5. Transfer Restrictions

A patient may only be transferred after stabilization, or if all of the following conditions are met:

• The patient or a legally responsible person requests transfer after being informed of the risks and benefits
• A physician certifies that the benefits of transfer outweigh the risks
• The receiving facility accepts the transfer and has available space and qualified personnel
• The transferring facility provides complete medical records and necessary personnel and equipment

6. No Administrative Delays

E Medical Center will not delay the medical screening examination or stabilizing treatment to demand payment, verify insurance, or complete non-medical administrative processes.

7. Complaint Process

If you believe your EMTALA rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:

8. Contact Information

For questions about this notice or EMTALA rights, contact the Compliance Office.