Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing Related

Review Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing related questions and content

A client arrives in active labor and exhibits toxemia with irregular fetal heart tones. The client is an immigrant and is uninsured. Which act would prevent the client from being transferred to another facility?

  • A. Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Law
  • B. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
  • C. Patient Self-Determination Act
  • D. The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Law (EMTALA). This act prohibits hospitals from transferring patients in active labor or with an emergency condition based on insurance status or ability to pay. It ensures that all individuals, regardless of insurance or immigration status, receive necessary emergency medical treatment. The other choices are incorrect because:
B: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects patient privacy and does not address transfer of patients in active labor.
C: Patient Self-Determination Act focuses on patient autonomy in making healthcare decisions, not on preventing transfer based on insurance status.
D: The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act promotes patient safety and quality improvement but does not specifically address transfer of patients in active labor.