EMTALA: Refresher and Post-Roe v. Wade Update

Course overview

Despite being a cornerstone of emergency healthcare in the United States, violations of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) continue to occur with concerning regularity. This ongoing issue underscores the critical need for continuous education and awareness among healthcare practitioners, nurses, and hospital support staff. The complexities of EMTALA, coupled with the fast-paced and often high-pressure environment of emergency departments, make it imperative that those on the front lines of emergency care are not only well-versed in the requirements of the law but also remain current with any updates or changes to its application. In this activity, we provide a refresher on the fundamental principles of EMTALA and present and discuss several cases where EMTALA's provisions are put to the test. We also provide background and a case related to the Supreme Court Dobbs decision. After completing this activity, providers/members of the healthcare team should be able to: articulate the fundamental principles of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), including its purpose, scope, and key provisions; integrate the principles of EMTALA into clinical practice; and demonstrate an understanding of the impact of the Supreme Court Dobbs decision, state abortion-related legislation, and hospitals' federal EMTALA obligations, specifically when treating patients who are pregnant or experiencing a pregnancy loss.