The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) is a U.S. law enacted in 1986 that requires hospitals to provide emergency medical treatment to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status. This law ensures that anyone seeking emergency care receives a medical screening and necessary treatment before being discharged or transferred. EMTALA applies to hospitals that participate in the Medicare program and mandates that they cannot refuse treatment based on a patient's financial situation. This legislation aims to prevent "patient dumping," where hospitals might otherwise refuse care to uninsured individuals, ensuring equitable access to emergency services for everyone.