#AlexisLorenze on X

Horrific behavior by UC Irvine with terrible consequences

Alexis is getting some help. Her story is partly here.

This situation highlights practices in many hospitals where patients are denied care based on vaccination status. Some ideas:

Key Concerns

1. Potential Violation of EMTALA

   • The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) mandates that hospitals provide emergency medical treatment to patients, regardless of factors such as insurance status or ability to pay.

   • Denying emergency care based on vaccination status likely violates EMTALA, exposing hospitals to significant legal and financial risks.

2. Patient Rights and Informed Consent

   • Patients have the right to make informed decisions about their healthcare, including the right to refuse vaccines or medications. Requiring vaccination under duress violates this principle.

   • Policies that deny care without considering individual circumstances infringe on patient autonomy and the principle of informed consent.

3. Ethical Considerations

   • While hospitals must protect staff and other patients, this must be balanced against an ethical obligation to provide care to those in need.

4. Public Health Implications

   • Denying care to unvaccinated individuals may have unintended negative consequences, such as discouraging people from seeking necessary medical attention.

EMTALA

1. EMTALA Requirements

   • Hospitals must provide medical screening to determine if an emergency medical condition exists.

   • If an emergency is identified, the hospital must provide stabilizing treatment regardless of vaccination status.

2. Private Right of Action

   • Patients denied care in violation of EMTALA have the right to file lawsuits against hospitals and healthcare providers.

   • This exposes hospitals to significant legal and financial risks.