First few Article Sentences
Due to EMTALA obligations, hospitals which lack resources and employees trained to provide stabilization and treatment to individuals that present to their emergency departments with behavioral health conditions are frequently forced to “board” these patients while they seek a transfer to a facility with such capabilities.
These individuals are often in need of highly specialized care that many hospitals are simply not in a position to provide. When this occurs, hospital employees are exposed to risks of harm from the patient, and even potential liability.