The emergency department may be the only point of access to the health care system for migrants. As emergency physicians, we face the challenge of balancing our ethical obligations to our patients with our responsibilities to employers, the government, and/or law enforcement. In consideration of the mandate of EMTALA and this complex role within an evolving political landscape, this publication offers four principles to guide best practices when caring for migration-affected patients in the ED.
Click the link to review these four principles which focus on ensuring equitable care for all migration-affected patients.
Additional Information
Four Principles to Support Equitable ED Care for Migration-Affected Patients:
1. Practice evidence-based clinical care to reduce bias.
2. Be aware of local and federal policies and migration factors that may influence patient care trends.
3. Target screening for population-specific risks and tailor patient care services.
4. Establish community partnerships and interdisciplinary care teams.
See article for more detail with examples of each principle in action.
References
Stanifer K, Smith-Bellille T, Bloem C, Willis J, Aurrecoechea A. Beyond Borders: Advancing Equitable Care in the Emergency Department for Migration-Affected Patients. The Journal of Emergency Medicine. Vol 89, 2026, Pages 109-114, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2026.08.005.