Narrow definition of 'emergency' can spell 'litigation'.
Although studies have shown that most emergency department visits are not true emergencies, hospitals must be cautious of refusing admission to a patient. Courts tend to examine the patient's condition with the benefit of hindsight to determine if an emergency had existed at the time of refusal. Clear definition of the extent of emergency services provided at a hospital can help to ease the excess usage of the department.
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D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008318:Malpractice; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014481:United States