Assume that an ambulance brought Cindy Roe to the emergency department of Grace Medical Center.

Question

Assume that an ambulance brought Cindy Roe to the emergency department of Grace Medical Center. She makes the decision to leave the hospital without receiving treatment. The attending physician and the hospital staff offer Cindy medical examination and treatment within the hospital before she leaves. Cindy refuses treatment, refuses to sign an informed consent, and they let her go. The physician/hospital most likely has violated EMTALA

 

If the ambulance brought Cindy to the hospital she must need attention immediately. So, then the hospital has to treat her.

Answer 1

I don't think this is a finance related question, but more along the lines of statutory mandates and liability. Regardless, it appears that the situation didn't arise to meeting any statutory mandate because it was preempted by Cindy's exercising her right of refusal. I'd suggest if there is any confusion from any interested party that they contact an attorney or their state's attorney general's office.