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How to Report an EMTALA Violation

All people in the United States have the right to emergency medical care, and the EMTALA law seeks to ensure that this right is upheld in all situations.

When it is not, those who are witness to the refusal of emergency medical services can report the violation of the EMTALA law.

What Is EMTALA Law?

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) protects people who do not have insurance from being denied medical care due to the inability to pay for treatment.

Essentially, it is required that all hospitals and the doctors who work there provide emergency medical treatment to whomever needs it, regardless of their insurance status.

What Is an EMTALA Violation?

When a hospital or doctor employed by a hospital refuses a patient emergency medical treatment they need due to lack of insurance, it is a violation of the EMTALA law.

The fine for this violation can be as much as $50,000 for the hospital and the physician. These fines are not covered by malpractice insurance.

A further penalty could include denial of participation in the Medicare program to the hospital or doctor.

How Do I Report an EMTALA Violation?

Reach out to the local Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and let them know that you would like to file an EMTALA complaint. If you prefer, you can do this anonymously.

At that point, they will take a full report from you on what happened, so they can investigate the incident and make a determination. They will need the location, date and time, names of the people involved, the extent of the injuries, and details on what exactly happened.

Do I Need Help to Report an EMTALA Violation?

No. If all you’d like to do is file a report on a hospital for an alleged EMTALA violation, you can go to CMS and they will assist you.

If you believe you require legal support due to an EMTALA violation, contact us at Florida Healthcare Law Firm today.