What may happen to a hospital that is charged a civil monetary penalty (CMP) for violating EMTALA law?

When a hospital is charged a civil monetary penalty for violating the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), one significant consequence can indeed be the loss of their government healthcare provider contract. EMTALA mandates that hospitals with emergency departments must provide appropriate medical screening, treatment, and stabilization for patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Violating this law reflects serious issues with compliance and ethical standards in patient care.

Consequently, if a hospital is found to be in violation of EMTALA, the repercussions can extend beyond just financial penalties. The loss of government contracts, such as those associated with Medicare and Medicaid, directly impacts a hospital's financial viability and its ability to serve a large segment of its patient population. These contracts are crucial for many hospitals, especially those that rely heavily on government reimbursement. Therefore, facing severe penalties including the potential to lose these contracts underscores the importance of maintaining compliance with EMTALA regulations.