Patient dumping

Patient dumping is a term used in the United States to describe a situation where hospitals, in violation of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), transfer, discharge, or refuse to treat indigent patients seeking emergency medical assistance because they are unable to pay, do not have insurance, or have a high-cost medical condition.

History

The term "patient dumping" was first used in the 1980s to describe a practice of private hospitals refusing to treat uninsured patients and transferring them to public hospitals. This practice led to the passage of the EMTALA in 1986, which prohibits patient dumping.

Legal aspects

Under the EMTALA, hospitals are required to provide a medical screening examination to any individual who comes to the emergency department and requests such an examination. If the hospital determines that the individual has an emergency medical condition, it must either stabilize the condition or transfer the patient to another hospital that can. Hospitals that violate the EMTALA can be subject to civil penalties and can be sued by patients who are harmed as a result of the violation.

Impact

Patient dumping can have serious consequences for patients, who may not receive the care they need in a timely manner. It can also place a significant burden on public hospitals, which are often less equipped to handle a large influx of patients.

See also

• Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act
• Healthcare in the United States
• Health insurance in the United States

References

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