February 2, 2001
BIPA Calls for EMTALA Study
Section 546 of BIPA calls for the GAO to conduct a study on the impact of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) on Hospital Emergency Department. The study is to be submitted to the Committees on Commerce and Ways and Means by May 1, 2001.
Among the items to be evaluated by GAO are the extent to which hospitals and physicians provide "uncompensated services in relation to the requirements of EMTALA;" "estimates for the total dollar amount of EMTALA-related care uncompensated costs . . ;" and "the extent to which EMTALA would be classified as an unfunded mandate if it were enacted today." In conducting the study, GAO is to consult with MedPAC, AHRQ and "qualified organizations representing providers of services and suppliers . . ."
Information: Ivy Baer, AAMC Division of Health Care Affairs, 202-828-0499.
