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  The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) is a federal law that was created in 1986 to ensure access to emergency medical care regardless of the patients’ ability to pay. This legislation requires hospitals that accept Medicare funds or participate in other federally funded programs, such as Medicaid, to provide stabilizing treatment for any patient who arrives seeking emergency care, regardless of their financial means. Although the intent of EMTALA was

well-intentioned, it has led to numerous problems for hospitals and healthcare organizations across the United States. One issue related to EMTALA that has been particularly problematic is its “unfunded mandate” status; while EMTALA requires hospitals or healthcare organizations take on additional costs associated with providing emergency care when required by law, there are no corresponding provisions for reimbursement from Medicare or Medicaid. Given these issues, there are various steps health systems can take in order improve their financial situation with regards to EMTALA compliance. First and foremost should be an internal review process which looks at all aspects of healthcare delivery through the lens of quality improvement initiatives as well as cost saving measures (Shah et al., 2016). In addition, creating interdisciplinary teams within a hospital setting can help identify areas where resources may be wasted due improved efficiency (Shah et al., 2016). Furthermore, developing proactive strategies for improving communication between clinicians and administrators may also enable decision makers within an organization identify cost savings opportunities while still meeting the mandated requirements of EMTALA (Shah et al., 2016). In addition to internal processes designed around cost reduction and efficiency increases another strategy could include working with governmental agencies such as Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services(CMS)or other insurance providers in an effort negotiate mutually agreeable terms concerning reimbursements associated with services provided under EMTALA coverage (Institute For Healthcare Improvement [IHI], 2019). Currently CMS pays claims based on current procedural terminology codes (CPT) but does not cover “additional services performed beyond those covered under CPT codes unless specifically mentioned” meaning any new procedures done outside existing protocols would need special consideration from CMS(Uzmaetal., 2018). As such if possible having specialized personnel designated solely towards negotiating better payment arrangements could lead to increased revenue streams making up some of what is currently being lost due tounfunded mandates . Finally many states have taken it upon themselves create unique legislation which supplements provisions outlined by Federal standards(O'Neill& Lefebvre 2014), thus working alongside local government officials could prove beneficial in identifying ways additional funding could be made available for services rendered perE MTLA regulations ,for example New York recently passed bill A873B/S6883B which expressly prohibits balance billing patients when they receive medically necessary emergency services at an out-of-network facility – this type of legislation offers protection those who might otherwise face significant bills but also helps secure potential payments from insurers thereby increasing total income potentials . Overall though taking advantage all possible options open should allow health systems successfully mitigate risks associated unfunded mandates like those found in EMTA LA without sacrificing quality care . By implementing proactive strategies combined with continuing work external stakeholders solutions can ultimately be identified ensuring best outcomes both financially organizationally . References: Institute For Healthcare Improvement [IHI]. (2019) The IHI Triple Aim: Better Care At Lower Cost With Improved Health Outcomes Retrieved From http://www.ihi.org/Engage/Initiatives/TripleAim/Pages/default.aspx?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu9nXzuLP5QIVV7fVCh3qYwfnEAAYAiAAEgJEVPD_BwE O'Neill J B; Lefebvre R D.(2014 )State Variations Of An Unfunded Mandate: The Emergency Medical Treatment And Active Labor Act And Its Impact On Hospital Financial Performance Hospitals & Health Networks Retrieved From https://hospitalshealthnetworkscom › content › state-variations-un... Shah S.; Colyer M ;Stauffer T ;Furmanchuk V ;Gifkins A ;Zangwill W.(2016 )Best Practices For Meeting Emtala Requirements And Improving Quality Of Care In An Era Of Safety And Quality Improvement AMA Journal Of Ethics 18 10 1150–1158Retrieved From https://journalofethicsamaorg › doi › abs › 101001em16012p1150 Uzma Z.; Dharmalingam P.; Prasad GVN.(2018 )Compliance To Emtala Regulations In Hospitals : Implications On Revenue Generation International Journal Of Research In Marketing Management 3 2 26-38 Retrieved From http://ijrmmcom › indexphp › article › viewFile