Can hospitals turn away patients?

Yes, but not when there is a need for emergency medical treatment.

With non-emergency treatment, it can depend on whether the hospital is a public or private one. Private hospitals are not required to provide non-emergency medical treatment to people who cannot pay.

Hospitals generally cannot stop treating a patient once he or she is admitted. Similarly, treatment cannot be discontinued by a hospital for nonpayment without sufficient notice to the patient. Treatment can be dropped, in some cases, if the patient is disruptive or defiant.

If you or a loved one were wrongfully turned away or discharged from a hospital, immediately seek the advice of an experienced medical malpractice attorney in your area.