California Emergency Care

Regardless of oneýs insurance status, he / she is eligible to receive emergency medical care within the state of California.

In the state of California, you have the right to receive emergency care at any facility with an emergency room. Your condition should be stabilized in the emergency room before you are transferred to another facility. You have the right to be informed by the hospital that they will provide you with care regardless of your ability to pay. If you do not wish to leave this emergency care facility, you cannot be transferred against your will.

These rights are important to consider if you ever find yourself in a hospital emergency room. No matter your insurance status, California law strictly regulates the ability of all licensed health care facilities with emergency rooms. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act regulations also apply to all hospitals that participate in the Medicare program, not simply the patients that go to those hospitals.

A medical emergency is a condition when your life, body parts or bodily functions are at severe risk of failure or harm unless you receive immediate medical care. Any pregnant woman who is having contractions has an emergency medical condition if there isnýt enough time before delivery of the baby or if transferring her to another hospital may pose a serious problem to the health of the mother or baby.

In an emergency room, you have the right to care in a facility that has proper personnel and equipment to help you.

If a hospital decides to transfer you, they must tell you out loud and through writing, any reasons for the transfer. Both you and the hospital must sign this written notice along with information you may need to file a complaint. In California, hospitals are required to post your rights in respect to the emergency room and your treatment options.