What is one of the risks for physicians repeated gross violations of EMTALA?

One of the significant risks for physicians who have repeated gross violations of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) is exclusion from Medicare. EMTALA mandates that hospitals and their staff provide emergency care to all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay, and in violation cases, there can be severe penalties imposed. If violations are serious and repetitive, it can lead to sanctions by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which may include exclusion from participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Exclusion from Medicare holds considerable weight because it can severely limit a physician's patient base and financial viability. Since a large number of patients in the United States rely on Medicare for their health care, being excluded means a practice could lose a significant portion of its revenue. This risk underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to EMTALA requirements, as noncompliance not only impacts patient care but can also jeopardize a physician's professional standing and practice sustainability.