An adolescent in labor arrives at the hospital emergency department (ED)with her mother who states the family has no medical insurance or money to pay for the delivery.What is the first step that the ED staff should take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first step the ED staff should take is to examine the adolescent to determine whether her condition is stable or whether she requires immediate medical attention. This is in accordance with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), which mandates that anyone coming to an emergency department must be stabilized and treated, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.

An Adolescent in Labor Arrives at the Hospital Emergency Department