What are the core obligations of EMTALA?

• A. To provide a medical screening examination, determine if an emergency medical condition exists, stabilize the condition, or transfer appropriately regardless of ability to pay.
• B. To provide charity care to uninsured patients.
• C. To refer all patients to other facilities.
• D. To require a payment prior to service.

Answer: (A)

EMTALA requires that hospitals with emergency departments treat patients regardless of their ability to pay. The essential duties are to perform a medical screening examination to determine whether an emergency medical condition exists, to stabilize the condition if such a condition is present, or to transfer the patient appropriately if stabilization isn’t possible at the presenting facility. This sequence—screening, determination of an emergency condition, stabilization, or appropriate transfer—must occur regardless of payment status. This ensures that financial factors do not delay or deny emergency care.

The other choices don’t fit EMTALA: it isn’t about charity care, it doesn’t require referring all patients, and it prohibits asking for payment before providing emergency services.