Is this case an EMTALA violation?

Adv Emerg Nurs J. 2013 Oct-Dec;35(4):328-31. doi: 10.1097/TME.0b013e3182a8f137.

Abstract

The advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) working in the emergency department (ED) is asked to see a patient with an "eye infection." The patient has a severe retrobulbar orbital abscess requiring complex multidisciplinary specialty management and is ultimately transferred to a tertiary care center. The patient had first presented to a community ED per the recommendation of her ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. The patient was advised to leave the first ED during triage and to go to a second community ED. Although the referring physician was made aware of the recommendation to have the patient drive to another facility, the APRN questions whether this is a case of an Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) violation. This article defines EMTALA and evaluates the case.

MeSH terms

  • Emergency Service, Hospital / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Humans
  • United States