As requested by the American Hospital Association, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Jan. 31 said it has decided not to propose changes to the current Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act regulations. While the agency said that a hospital has satisfied its EMTALA obligation when it admits an individual "in good faith in order to stabilize the [emergency medical condition]," it is providing an additional 60 days to comment on the applicability of EMTALA to hospitals with specialized capabilities.
"Hospitals fully support the intent of EMTALA - to ensure individuals get an appropriate screening and needed emergency services," said AHA President and CEO Rich Umbdenstock. "CMS' current policy is the most appropriate way to achieve EMTALA's goals, and we support CMS' decision not to change those policies. We appreciate CMS' approach. Hospitals take seriously their EMTALA responsibilities - and all other responsibilities - to their patients and will continue to provide care to patients at the right time and in the right setting."
The notice will be published in the Feb. 2 Federal Register. AHA intends to urge that the regulations for hospitals with specialized capabilities remain unchanged.
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