CMS rescinds July 2022 EMTALA guidance on pregnancy-related emergencies

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CMS rescinds July 2022 EMTALA guidance on pregnancy-related emergencies

CMS Deputy Chief Operating Officer John Czajkowski | cms.gov/about-cms/leadership/deputy-chief-operating-officer

The Department of Health and Human Services, along with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has announced the rescission of guidance issued in July 2022. This guidance, titled "Reinforcement of EMTALA Obligations specific to Patients who are Pregnant or are Experiencing Pregnancy Loss" (QSO-22-22-Hospitals) and (QSO-21-22-Hospitals), as well as an accompanying letter from the former Secretary of Health and Human Services, is being withdrawn because it does not align with the current administration's policy.

CMS emphasized its commitment to enforcing the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). This act ensures that all individuals who arrive at a hospital emergency department seeking examination or treatment receive care, particularly when there are identified emergency medical conditions that threaten the health of a pregnant woman or her unborn child.

The agency said its intention to address any legal confusion and instability resulting from actions taken by the previous administration.

Information from this article can be found here.