Patient Dumping
/ˈpeɪʃənt ˈdʌmpɪŋ/
Definitions
- (n.) The practice of hospitals discharging or transferring patients who require emergency care to public facilities, often to avoid financial responsibility, in violation of legal and ethical standards.
The hospital was sued for patient dumping after it transferred uninsured patients to a public hospital without providing adequate treatment.
Forms
- patient dumping
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Patient dumping is often addressed under EMTALA regulations, which aim to prevent such discriminatory or unethical patient transfers.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.