Which act was enacted to address issues with hospitals refusing treatment to uninsured patients?

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) was enacted in 1986 specifically to ensure that individuals, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay, receive appropriate emergency medical care. This law requires hospitals with emergency departments to perform a medical screening examination on anyone who requests treatment and stabilizes patients before transferring them or discharging them. The intent of EMTALA is to prevent "patient dumping," where hospitals would refuse to treat uninsured patients or transfer them to other facilities to avoid financial liability. By mandating that hospitals provide care in emergency situations, EMTALA plays a crucial role in safeguarding access to essential medical services for all patients.