A case involving a 19-year-old man has many hospitals re-evaluating their repatriation policies with regards to treating seriously injured, but uninsured non-U.S. citizens.
According to the New York Times, a Phoenix hospital had 19-year-old Antonio Torres
deported to Mexico after he showed up in the emergency room for medical treatment. Torres, who was living in the country legally with his family, came to the hospital after suffering catastrophic injuries in a car accident. Torres and his family were working in the alfalfa fields in Gila Bend, Arizona when he was deported.
While in a Mexican hospital, Torres suffered from a deadly infection spreading throughout his body. His parents were able to find a hospital in California that was willing to treat Torres and donate an ambulance to bring him to the hospital. Fortunately, Torres has been able to recover, despite all odds working against him.
Torres' case brings up more than just a sad story. It has made hospitals around the United States review their repatriation policies. As of now, there are no formal guidelines or regulations regarding the proper way to handle cases like Torres. In addition, the majority of hospitals have limited federal financing to pay for treatment for uninsured patients, according to the Times. Due to this lack of policy, many hospitals are left with the decision to either treat patients like Torres, or have the patient sent back to his/her country, putting his/her life in danger in the process.
Since the New York Times reported on this issue, the California Medical Association has passed a resolution that opposes enforcing repatriation of patients. The American Medical Association is also considering a similar resolution.
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