Improving Emergency Medical Care Act
HR 3134 IH: Improving Emergency Care
The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) is a federal law that requires emergency departments to provide medical screening examinations and stabilization of patients with conditions requiring immediate medical attention.
Key Provisions of the Bill
Evaluating Uninsured Patients The bill would require emergency departments to evaluate all patients, regardless of their insurance status.
Providing Emergency Care The bill would ensure that patients receive emergency care without being turned away or referred to another facility.
The legislation aims to improve the quality of care for patients in emergency departments.
Coverage Under Medicare and Medicaid
- Medicare would cover specified emergency services furnished by freestanding emergency centers.
- Medicaid would cover specified emergency services furnished by freestanding emergency centers, in addition to other services covered under the program.
Exclusion from Prohibition on Physician Self-Referral
"In the case of laboratory services and imaging services furnished by a freestanding emergency center in connection with specified emergency services (as such terms are defined in section 1861(nnn))."
The bill would also make an exception to the prohibition on physician self-referral for laboratory services and imaging services furnished by freestanding emergency centers.
Effective Date
The amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to items and services furnished on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.