Emergency Care and Stroke

The Emergency Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) is a statute which governs when and how a patient may be (1) refused treatment or (2) transferred from one hospital to another when in an unstable medical condition. While the law does not dictate that neurosurgeons must take call, it does prescribe specific protocols that must be followed if a neurosurgeon does take call. The law is forever evolving and neurosurgeons should check this web site frequently for updates, additional guidance and new regulations.

AANS/CNS Support CMS’ Decision Not to Expand EMTALA Rules to Inpatients - 2/3/12
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• March 2005
  EMTALA TAG Written Comments
• November 2002
  Reconciling On-Call Responsibilities with EMTALA Requirements
• May 2002
  CMS-1203-P Medicare Program; Changes to the Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment Systems and Fiscal Year 2003 Rates

• May 2004
  Revised Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) Interpretive Guidelines
• November 2003
  Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) Interim Guidance
• September 2003
  Medicare Program; Clarifying Policies Related to the Responsibilities of Medicare-Participating Hospitals in Treating Individuals With Emergency Medical Conditions