Course Overview

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) ensures that every patient receives emergency care, regardless of financial or insurance status. The EMTALA Patient Intake course provides healthcare professionals with the essential knowledge to comply with this critical US federal law.

This course explores EMTALA’s origins, legal requirements, and enforcement processes, as well as the correct procedures for patient screening, stabilisation, and transfers. Learners will also understand how EMTALA intersects with COBRA regulations and the responsibilities of healthcare facilities under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

By completion, you’ll be confident in implementing compliant intake procedures, avoiding legal violations, and ensuring ethical, patient-centred emergency care.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the purpose and scope of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).
• Recognise the relationship between EMTALA and COBRA regulations.
• Apply EMTALA’s basic requirements for patient screening and stabilisation.
• Implement compliant patient intake and transfer procedures.
• Understand how EMTALA is enforced and the role of HCFA/CMS.
• Identify penalties for non-compliance and best practices for ongoing adherence.

Why Choose Us?

Here’s Why This Course is the Best Choice for You:

• Lifetime Access: Revisit course materials anytime, forever.
• Expert Support: Get help from our dedicated tutor team, available Monday to Friday.
• Learn at Your Pace: Study from home, on your schedule, with no pressure.
• Cutting-Edge Content: Access video modules taught by industry-leading instructors.
• 24/7 Assistance: Reach out via email or live chat whenever you need help.
• Multi-Device Access: Learn on your computer, tablet, or smartphone—anywhere, anytime.
• Career-Boosting Certification: Earn a certificate to showcase your skills and enhance your resume.

Assessment

Test Your Knowledge and Earn Your Certification

The course includes interactive quizzes to help you track your progress and reinforce your learning. These quizzes are designed to:

• Identify areas where you need more practice.
• Build confidence in your understanding of the material.
• Prepare you for real-world challenges.

Upon successfully completing the final quiz, you’ll receive a certificate of achievement—a valuable addition to your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Description

Module 01: Introduction to EMTALA
Understand the origins, purpose, and significance of EMTALA in protecting patient rights to emergency medical care across all healthcare facilities.

Module 02: Overview of COBRA and Its Relation to EMTALA
Explore how the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) established EMTALA’s legal foundation, ensuring access to emergency treatment regardless of coverage.

Module 03: EMTALA Basic Requirements
Learn EMTALA’s three core obligations—medical screening, stabilisation, and appropriate transfer—and the responsibilities these place on hospitals and staff.

Module 04: Patient Intake and Screening Under EMTALA
Study intake procedures, triage protocols, and documentation standards to ensure compliance and equal treatment for all emergency patients.

Module 05: How to Enforce EMTALA
Understand how EMTALA violations are reported, investigated, and enforced by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Module 06: HCFA (Health Care Financing Administration) Actions and EMTALA Compliance
Examine the role of HCFA (now CMS) in overseeing compliance, imposing penalties, and conducting audits to maintain care standards.

Module 07: EMTALA and Patient Transfers
Learn the legal and procedural requirements for safe, compliant patient transfers between facilities to ensure continuity of care and prevent liability.

Module 08: EMTALA Best Practices and Continuous Compliance
Develop practical strategies for maintaining ongoing EMTALA compliance through training, documentation, and internal audits within healthcare settings.

Career Path

Emergency Department Nurse: £35,000 – £55,000
Hospital Compliance Officer: £40,000 – £65,000
Healthcare Administrator: £38,000 – £60,000
Patient Intake Coordinator: £28,000 – £40,000