EMTALA

In 2003, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently relaxed the EMTALA obligations. In response to concerns over regulatory burdens expressed by physicians and hospitals, and with the advocacy work of groups like the AMA, key requirements for physician on call duties and the definition of an emergency department were clarified. Visit the links below to learn more.

The Regulations (Federal Register, Sept. 9, 2003):
(PDF, 284KB, requires Adobe® Reader®)

View the AMA's discussion of pertinent changes to the EMTALA Final Regulations
(Word, 26.5KB)

Federation comments to CMS on the Proposed Rule
(Word, 47KB)

AMA's comments to CMS on the Proposed Rule
(Word, 48KB)

The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 includes key provisions effecting EMTALA.

View AMA's summary of the new Medicare law provisions pertaining to EMTALA. (Word, 21KB)

Funding for Undocumented Aliens

For more information on EMTALA, contact:

Elizabeth LaRocca, Division of Health Law
(312) 464-5059
elizabeth.larocca@ama-assn.org