If a hospital lacks specific medical capability, EMTALA permits transfer only if what condition is met?

• A. Transfer can occur immediately without stabilization
• B. Must first obtain patient consent
• C. Patient must be stabilized first
• D. Must wait 24 hours

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that EMTALA requires stabilizing an emergency condition before transferring a patient to another facility when the current hospital cannot provide the needed care. If a hospital lacks the specific capability, it must either stabilize the patient using its own resources or arrange a transfer to a facility that can treat the condition, but the transfer should occur only after stabilization to the extent feasible. This protects patients from being moved while still unstable and ensures they receive appropriate care. Transferring immediately without stabilization would risk worsening the condition, and waiting 24 hours is not the standard requirement under EMTALA.