“The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ decision this week to rescind its 2022 guidance for the treatment of pregnant patients experiencing a bona fide medical emergency stands in direct opposition to the fundamental ethics of nursing to promote human health and well-being.

It contradicts the federal standard of the last four decades – the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act – which ensures every emergency department patient receives the care they need regardless of their individual circumstance or where they seek emergency health care.

It also conflicts with ENA’s beliefs that all people are entitled access to comprehensive and quality health care without exception.

ENA is deeply concerned about the unease and confusion this decision might bring to emergency care teams that must contemplate the life-or-death implications of every option for the care of every patient they treat.

That is especially true for pregnant patients and the unique circumstances which might require them to seek emergency medical help. 

By rescinding this particular guidance, CMS has potentially redirected the judgement of emergency nurses and the entire emergency care team from what’s best for the patient to instead be guided with fear of legal implications by simply doing what is needed to save that patient’s life.”

- ENA President Ryan Oglesby

 

ENA’s Prior EMTALA-related Statements

Access to Quality Care and EMTALA

Supreme Court’s EMTALA Opinion

Department of Justice Dismissal of EMTALA-Related Lawsuit

 

The Emergency Nurses Association is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community. With nearly 45,000 members worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines and guides emergency health care public policy. ENA members have expertise in triage, patient care, disaster preparedness, and all aspects of emergency care. Additional information is available at www.ena.org.

ENA Media Contact
Dan Campana
Director of Communications
dan.campana@ena.org
Contact Dan Campana