Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) Practice Exam

Which statement exemplifies an EMTALA violation?

1. Registration staff may routinely contact managed care plans for prior authorizations

2. Initial registration activities may occur as long as they don’t delay treatment

3. Co-payments may be collected after medical screening activities

4. Signage must be posted visibly for patients

The correct answer is: Registration staff may routinely contact managed care plans for prior authorizations

The statement that embodies an EMTALA violation is the one suggesting that registration staff may routinely contact managed care plans for prior authorizations. Under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), hospitals are required to provide a medical screening examination to all individuals seeking treatment for a medical emergency, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. If registration staff are able to delay treatment by requiring prior authorization from managed care plans, it directly undermines the intent of EMTALA to ensure immediate stabilization and treatment of emergency situations. In contrast, the other statements align with EMTALA guidelines. Initial registration activities may be performed as long as they do not delay treatment, emphasizing that patient care should remain the priority. Collecting co-payments after the medical screening ensures that the focus is first on the patient's healthcare needs rather than their financial obligations, which is also consistent with EMTALA requirements. Lastly, having visible signage for patients is a requirement designed to inform and guide patients about their rights under EMTALA, helping ensure compliance rather than violating it.