The Right to Access Emergency Services is best exemplified by which scenario?

• A. A tourist accessing emergency care for an asthma attack in another state
• B. A patient delaying care due to cost
• C. A patient selecting a preferred doctor within the same state
• D. A hospital refusing emergency care

Answer: (A)

Access to emergency services means that in an emergency, individuals must be able to receive a medical screening and stabilizing treatment no matter where they are, who they are, or their ability to pay. The scenario of a tourist needing emergency care for an asthma attack in another state illustrates this protection in action: even while away from home, the person can access urgent care without being turned away or blocked by location. This reflects the principle that emergency departments are obligated to assess and stabilize emergencies for anyone presenting, across geographic boundaries.

Delaying care due to cost would undermine this right, and selecting a preferred doctor or a hospital’s refusal to provide emergency care would also fail to demonstrate access to emergency services.