Update on patient access to EDs: share good news.

The Norwood/Dingell bill, passed in the House of Representatives, would establish a national standard of emergency care and protect patients from claims denials and managed care plans' requirements for prior authorization. The bill will be a significant health care issue in this year's presidential election, but it's doubtful that federal legislation will be passed before then. It would establish a national prudent layperson standard, which requires health plans to base emergency care coverage on symptoms and not a final diagnosis. Patients who pay for their health insurance need the same emergency care protections as individuals enrolled in federal government, Medicare, and Medicaid health plans.