EMTALA: An E.R. Law That Affects All Physicians, 2nd Edition 2026-2029

Monday, January 5, 2026, 12:00 PM - Thursday, January 4, 2029, 11:59 PM


AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (4.00 hours), ABIM MOC Part 2 (4.00 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (4.00 hours)

The federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) was enacted in 1986 to address the "dumping" of indigent patients from private to public hospitals. This was originally construed as a measure affecting emergency departments, but subsequent administrative interpretations and court rulings have extended its scope. No longer a concern only for emergency physicians, it now affects EVERY physician who takes calls for a hospital ED, physicians who are responsible for inpatients, and staff at off-campus, hospital-owned facilities. Due to ongoing fines levied by the federal government and affiliated agencies, it is clear that physicians are not always familiar with EMTALA's requirements. This activity clarifies EMTALA legislation and the obligations physicians have under its auspices.

1. Adhere to EMTALA laws and describe their effect on the practice of emergency medicine and all affected physicians and institutions.
2. Provide as appropriate screening, treatment, and stabilization services to individuals who come to the emergency department requesting examination or treatment for a medical condition.
3. Alternatively, arrange an appropriate transfer of the patient to a facility equipped to treat the patient's condition.
4. Avoid protracted legal battles (not typically covered by malpractice insurance), as well as the loss of participation in Medicare and monetary fines, which can cause serious financial hardships for physicians and result in hospital closures.

https://www.vlh.com/shared/courses/course_info.cfm?courseno=242&ref=157

The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson designates this Enduring Material for a maximum of 4.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 4.0 MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine's (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

Accessibility Statement
 
University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson Office of Continuing Medical Education is committed to ensuring that its programs, services, goods and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities as specified under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008.  If you have needs that require special accommodations, including dietary concerns, please contact the CME activity coordinator.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson Office of Continuing Medical Education adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers or others are required to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). The CME office reviewers have nothing to disclose. All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.