Question: DQ1: The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) was legally enacted to prevent hospitals from refusing care for those that cannot pay. This law applies when an individual believes he or she is experiencing an emergency condition and requests treatment for the emergency. From thorough research of the topics, what exactly do EMTALA laws entail that ensures emergency care for all? On the flip side, how might these laws actually hinder or delay quality care for some patients?
DQ2: Please read the following scenario, knowing that all facts might not be present. You must thoroughly research the topics to determine how missing details might affect your answers: Memorial Hospital, a hospital in Bordertown, Iowa, has an agreement with Careco, a managed care organization with plan members in the states of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, to provide medical care to its members.
A condition of Memorial's agreement with Careco states that Careco cannot contract with other hospitals in the Bordertown, Iowa, area. The contract is for one year, and either party may terminate the contract for any reason (with a 60-day notice period). Discuss any possible antitrust laws that Memorial may have violated by initiating this agreement with Careco. Mention concerns specific to healthcare, that is, concerns not shared by other industries. Also, discuss any defenses that Memorial can establish for an antitrust action Click here to refer to Antitrust Review to strengthen your points in the response.