What must hospitals not do according to EMTALA regulations?

Hospitals are governed by the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), which mandates that they must provide emergency care to anyone who presents at their facility, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Therefore, refusing treatment based on a patient’s ability to pay is a violation of EMTALA regulations. This law is designed to ensure that patients receive necessary emergency medical services without financial discrimination, thereby protecting the rights of individuals needing immediate care.

The other options align with EMTALA requirements: hospitals are obligated to provide emergency care to all patients, can transfer patients to appropriate facilities when medically necessary (but not specifically to a charity hospital unless indicated), and must inform patients of their rights upon admission. All of these actions support the intent of EMTALA and promote equitable access to emergency medical services.