Under EMTALA, what is required of facilities that accept Medicare/Medicaid?

• A. Civil penalties are imposed for EMTALA violations
• B. Perform a medical screening exam on every person that presents to a facility that accepts Medicare/Medicaid.
• C. ER must treat everyone
• D. Anti-dumping law

Answer: (B)

Under EMTALA, the key requirement is that any person who presents to the emergency department of a hospital that participates in Medicare/Medicaid must receive a medical screening examination to determine whether an emergency medical condition exists. This screening must be done promptly by qualified staff and not delayed for payment issues. If an emergency condition is found, the hospital must stabilize the condition or arrange an appropriate transfer, within the hospital’s capabilities. This mechanism is the core idea: ensuring access to urgent evaluation and stabilization regardless of ability to pay, which is why the best answer describes performing a medical screening exam on every person who presents to a facility that accepts Medicare/Medicaid.