Can a Doctor Refuse to Treat a Patient? A Guide to Medical Rights and Obligations
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5 min read
According to federal law, hospitals that participate in Medicare and have emergency departments cannot refuse to provide a medical screening and stabilizing treatment for emergency conditions, regardless of the patient's ability to pay. Outside of these specific emergency requirements, however, the question of whether and when a doctor can refuse to treat a patient is far more complex, involving legal statutes, ethical guidelines, and established professional standards.
