What does EMTALA require of emergency departments?

• A. To treat only insured patients
• B. To provide a medical screening exam and stabilize for anyone seeking emergency care regardless of ability to pay or insurance status
• C. To discharge patients who cannot pay
• D. To refer all patients to private clinics first

Answer: (B)

EMTALA requires emergency departments to provide a medical screening examination to anyone who seeks emergency care to determine whether an emergency medical condition exists, and if it does, to stabilize the patient using appropriate treatment within the hospital’s capabilities, regardless of the patient’s insurance status or ability to pay. If stabilization cannot be achieved at the presenting facility, the hospital must arrange an appropriate transfer to another facility. These protections ensure that care is provided based on need, not payment, and prevent turning people away or discharging them simply because they cannot pay. Choices suggesting treatment only for insured patients, discharging those who can’t pay, or directing everyone to private clinics would violate these obligations.