Nurse Executive Certification Practice Exam

The content of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act prompts nurse executives to review which type of hospital policies?

1. Policies that govern the management of employees who are impaired

2. Policies that involve emergency department patient transfer procedures

3. Nursing policies that pertain to admissions and discharges

4. Nursing policies that relate to staff nurse assignment

The correct answer is: Nursing policies that pertain to admissions and discharges

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) is designed to ensure that all patients receive appropriate medical attention in emergency situations without regard for their ability to pay. One of the key implications of EMTALA is how hospitals handle admissions and discharges, particularly in emergency situations. When nurse executives review policies in light of EMTALA, they must focus on those that address the admissions and discharges of patients. This includes ensuring that procedures are in place to guarantee that patients in need of emergency care are not inappropriately transferred or discharged before receiving necessary treatment. The act emphasizes that patients presenting in an emergency department must be provided a medical screening examination, and if further treatment is necessary, hospitals cannot refuse to treat a patient based on their inability to pay. While policies related to employee impairment, patient transfer procedures, and staff nurse assignments are all important, they do not directly align with the specific mandates and focus of EMTALA regarding the treatment and rights of patients in the emergency setting. Understanding the implications of this law is crucial for nurse executives in order to maintain compliance and uphold the standard of care expected from healthcare facilities.