Open AccessEthical issues in the access to emergency care for undocumented immigrants
Author(s) -
Brenner Jay M.,
Blutinger Erik,
Ricke Brandon,
Vearrier Laura,
Kluesner Nicholas H.,
Moskop John C.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of the american college of emergency physicians open
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2688-1152
DOI - 10.1002/emp2.12461
Subject(s) - immigration , agency (philosophy) , best practice , scope (computer science) , scope of practice , law enforcement , enforcement , health care , medicine , population , business , political science , nursing , public relations , medical emergency , law , sociology , environmental health , social science , computer science , programming language
Patients who are undocumented immigrants (UIs) frequently present to emergency departments in the United States, especially in communities with large immigrant populations. Emergency physicians confront important ethical issues when providing care for these patients. This article examines those ethical issues and recommends best practices in emergency care for UIs. After a brief introduction and description of the UI population, the article proposes central principles of emergency medical ethics as a framework for emergency physician decisions and actions. It then considers the role of law and public policy in health care for UIs, including the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and current practices of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The article concludes with discussion of the scope of emergency physician practice and with recommendations regarding best practices in ED care for UIs.