Assessing Hospitals' Responsibility to Provide Unremunerated Services

Abstract

Hospitals typically absorb the costs of unremunerated health care services; however, budget cuts make this no longer feasible. This article identifies important ethical and legal dimensions of a hospital's duty regarding unremunerated services in a climate of scarce resources. While, except in certain emergency situations, a hospital has no obligation to provide services to those who cannot pay, some guidelines are offered to help hospitals respond to requests for unremunerated services.