What is the term used when a hospital sends a patient home or transfers them without providing care?

The term used when a hospital sends a patient home or transfers them without providing appropriate care is "patient dumping." This practice is particularly concerning because it implies that medical facilities are discharging patients inappropriately, often to avoid the financial burden of treating uninsured or underinsured patients. Patient dumping can lead to serious health consequences for individuals who are not given adequate care before being sent home or transferred to another facility.

This term highlights issues related to patient rights, ethics in healthcare, and compliance with laws such as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), which mandates that hospitals provide appropriate medical screening and stabilizing treatment before transferring or discharging patients. In doing so, it underscores the importance of ensuring that patients receive necessary care regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.