Subscribe to KFF Health News' free Morning Briefing. HHS cited several emergency pregnancy situations in which abortion might be required to prevent permanent injury or death, such as ectopic pregnancies, severe blood pressure spikes known as preeclampsia, and premature rupture of the membrane causing a woman’s water to break before her pregnancy is viable, which can lead to serious infections and threaten her life. The July policy guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services stressed that EMTALA supersedes any state law barring abortion, and that hospitals and physicians who don’t comply with the federal mandate could face civil fines and termination from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The 1986 EMTALA law requires hospitals and physicians to provide screening and stabilizing treatment in emergency situations. The Missouri investigation is significant because EMTALA is one of the government’s strongest tools to ensure that patients with pregnancy complications receive needed abortions following the Supreme Court’s June ruling erasing the constitutional right to abortion. The Biden administration in July had reminded hospitals and physicians in the 13 states that have outlawed most abortions that federal law requires them to provide life- or health-saving medical services - including abortion, if necessary - to patients experiencing emergency pregnancy complications. She eventually sought medical help outside the state. The case involves a woman whose water broke early in her pregnancy, but the hospital refused to let doctors perform an abortion. It was authorized by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which contracts with state agencies to conduct EMTALA surveys. 5 issue of Joplin Tri-State Business Journal.In late October, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services opened an investigation at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Missouri, under the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, department spokesperson Lisa Cox told KHN. “That person will have all the tools and resources he or she may need to keep leading this incredible team.”įor more on this story and a one-on-one interview with Gary Duncan, see the Sept. Lance Beshore, chairman of the board, in the release. “I am extremely confident, given the thoroughness of the process that has been established and the leadership of the board of directors, the choice for the next Freeman CEO will be an outstanding one,” said Dr. Freeman officials have said more of the details of that transition will be revealed in the weeks to come.īoard members have formed a committee to choose Duncan's successor. “I have always taken very seriously the responsibility of leading that team.”ĭuncan said he informed Freeman’s board of directors several months ago but waited to make an official announcement until a transition strategy had been formulated. “Whether they are responding to everyday patient needs or heroically saving lives in the wake of a historic tornado, our team lives out their commitment to serving our region. “For many years, I have been privileged to lead a team of people who are committed to the mission of this hospital system,” Duncan said in a news release. Duncan, who has held the top position for 15 years, joined the health system in 1975 as its first human resources director. Joplin-based Freeman Health System President and CEO Gary Duncan announced Aug.
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