All healthcare facilities are required by the Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act of 1986 (EMTALA) to any person requiring medical treatment to stabilize their current condition. Beyond that point a for profit facility can discharge and refer to the county facility or your personal healthcare provider. A non-profit facility traditionally would keep you, if inpatient criteria is met. This is because non-profits are charged under the 501(c) (3) tax status to invest in the community health needs, provide financial assistance, charity, and provide reasonable self pay rates. For-profit facilities have shareholders that expect a return on their investment in the organization. This is not to say that one is better than the other or one provides better services, the organizational structure is just different. While for-profit facilities provides jobs that contribute directly back to the local economy, non-profits have a direct obligation to the communities in which the reside.
Choosing the right type of facility for your healthcare should be based on the type of care required and the specialty they provide. If the facilities are equal, selecting a non-profit facility that gives back directly to your community in outreach, immunizations, health fairs and other benefits might be the best selection to ensure the wellbeing of the local community.
Helping Healthcare Makes Sense 