Wiki EMTALA question

[Brigid]

If it is necessary to transfer a patient to another hospital due to inadequate staffing does it only apply for the current shift or is it acceptable to transfer a patient if we know the following shift will be understaffed if we admit the patient?

Thank you.

 

[sab001]

If it is necessary to transfer a patient to another hospital due to inadequate staffing does it only apply for the current shift or is it acceptable to transfer a patient if we know the following shift will be understaffed if we admit the patient?

Great question. Keep in mind that the purpose of EMTALA is to ensure public access to emergency services regardless of ability to pay. If the patient is admitted and continues to have an emergency medical condition, the hospital must continue to provide stabilizing treatment.

In a document published by CMS, https://www.cms.gov/regulations-and-guidance/legislation/emtala/downloads/cms-1063-f.pdf, they do not believe they can establish realistic objective standards for levels of physician staffing.