APA Dictionary of Psychology

a U.S. law passed in 1986 requiring hospital emergency departments that accept Medicare payments to provide a medical screening examination to anyone seeking emergency treatment, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay, citizenship, or legal status. If the exam confirms that the patient is experiencing an emergency medical condition, the hospital is required to treat that patient until the patient’s condition is stabilized. The patient is still legally responsible for the cost of the treatment. The act was intended to ensure that all people could receive emergency medical treatment and to stop the practice of “patient dumping,” or transferring to another hospital any patient who is experiencing a medical emergency but who cannot pay for treatment. The act also covers emergency psychiatric services.