In 1986, Congress enacted legislation to ensure that all members of the public have access to emergency treatment, regardless of ability to pay. This legislation, known as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (or EMTALA), imposes specific obligations on Medicare-participating hospitals that offer emergency services. These obligations include medical screening, assistance with labor and delivery, and medical transfer as needed.

Read the complete text of CMC-NorthEast's EMTALA policy.