Do undocumented aliens end up getting after receiving emergency care?

lpnstudentin2010, LPN · Aug 8, 2009

well they probably give a fake name so....

Katnip, RN · Aug 8, 2009

I don't know that hospitals report them to the INS. Probably not.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 8, 2009

No that does not happen.

I wouldn't be comfortable with that. It's not our job to police illegals by reporting them to a government agency.

DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN · Aug 8, 2009

I am not saying hospitals report them, but hospitals do have to claim money, from the government, for treating them. One presumes that when they make this claim some patient info must be provided (to prevent false claims by providers). So when this happens surely this puts an undocumented person squarely on the grid (yes, assuming they gave valid details).

oramar · Aug 8, 2009

Someone once posted here that the same expectant mother came to their clinic under 3 assumed names on 3 different occasions. I think the nurse said something to the fact that she told the person to try and use the same name to assure continuity of care. I don't know if the patient was to dumb to remember the name they gave the last time they were there or if they thought they would be less likely to be turned in. I would like to see the government go after the employers that bring them here to get reimbursement for the care that is given. There has been talk about that in Congress.

Itzallgood · Aug 8, 2009

No that does not happen.
I wouldn't be comfortable with that. It's not our job to police illegals by reporting them to a government agency.

Sorry, But you should report them.

It is a Federal Crime to enter the USA Illegaly.

I bet you would report child abuse in a heartbeat.

KateRN1 · Aug 8, 2009

Sorry, But you should report them.
It is a Federal Crime to enter the USA Illegaly.
I bet you would report child abuse in a heartbeat.

Nurses are mandated reporters to child abuse, not to illegal immigration.

cookienay · Aug 8, 2009

THe law has clearly indicated time and time again that we have a DUTY to report child abuse. We also have a DUTY to provide competent care to those in our charge regardless of how we feel about how or why they are here. We do not have a duty to report illegal immigrants. Yes, it is a federal crime to enter the US illegally, however it is not in our scope of practice to police such activities.

Itzallgood · Aug 8, 2009

THe law has clearly indicated time and time again that we have a DUTY to report child abuse. We also have a DUTY to provide competent care to those in our charge regardless of how we feel about how or why they are here. We do not have a duty to report illegal immigrants. Yes, it is a federal crime to enter the US illegally, however it is not in our scope of practice to police such activities.

Police will not deal with Illegals they try to wash their hands of them as well, just like you are trying to do.

Illegals bring diseases into the USA and can put Americans health at risk.

In USA we need a new mindset regarding Illegals, Stop giving them free medical and education, and living assistance. :banghead:

gandrad0 · Aug 9, 2009

Not all illegal aliens carry diseases. Not all illegal aliens are here because it was their choice to be here. Many are brought as children and see the U.S as their home. Plus, many of them pay off their bills faster than any U.S. citizen or resident. As long as they are paying for services provided we shouldn't have a problem with it.

Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN · Aug 9, 2009

Since when is it a nurse's job to become a border patrol guard? If a sick person comes to my ER seeking medical assistance, they will be seen as outlined by EMTALA. No matter what their circumstances or ability to pay. Medical personnel should not be expected to police their patients, it's a clear conflict of interest and ethically wrong. (And comparing child abuse to crossing a border without proper paperwork is like comparing apples to oranges.)