In news out of North Carolina in October 2025, a person in the custody of the Forsyth County Law Enforcement Detention Center has died, according to the Winston-Salem police.

The individual, whose name the Winston-Salem Police Department is not releasing, was arrested on a trespass charge when they refused to leave a local hospital after they had been released. Police said officers did not use force during the arrest or while they were in custody.

After the person got to the Forsyth County jail, they had a medical emergency. Police immediately rendered aid, they said, until medical staff from the jail arrived. The Forsyth County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Winston-Salem Fire Department also arrived and took over lifesaving efforts. However, efforts were unsuccessful, and the person was pronounced deceased on the scene.

The in-custody death is being investigated by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI).

The address of the Forsyth County Law Enforcement Detention Center is 201 N Church St, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101.

What is the Federal Law EMTALA?

EMTALA is a federal law that requires certain hospitals to take action on behalf of anyone seeking emergency care. Whatever the insurance status of the patient or their ability to pay, this mandate applies.

What does EMTALA stand for? It stands for “Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act.” Which hospitals are subject to comply with EMTALA?

• EMTALA requirements apply to hospitals with Medicare-funded emergency departments.

What does EMTALA require Medicare-funded emergency departments to do?

• A medical screening exam must be provided to anyone requesting emergency care. In addition, the patients must be stabilized or transferred to another facility if it is necessary. Some provisions apply to a pregnant woman in active labor.

What is the underlying purpose of EMTALA?

• This law intends to prevent “patient dumping.” This is a practice in which hospitals transfer or refuse to treat a patient because they are considered medically undesirable for reasons such as having a complex medical condition, the inability to pay, or a lack of insurance.

What are the Key Requirements of EMTALA?

The following are details about the four key requirements of EMTALA, which are medical screening, stabilization, transfer, and active labor.

Medical Screening

The purpose of the appropriate medical screening that Medicare-funded emergency departments must provide is to determine whether an emergency medical condition exists. It must be done with no delay in treatment due to insurance status or the ability to pay.

Stabilization

If medical personnel find an emergency medical condition, the hospital is required to provide stabilizing treatment until the patient’s condition is stable or their medical condition does not materially worsen.

What might stabilization under EMTALA involve? It may involve medical treatment, specific procedures, abortive care, or transfer of the patient to another facility that has the necessary capabilities and staff.

Transfer

If the hospital is unable to stabilize the patient, that hospital must provide an appropriate transfer to another hospital. The hospital making the transfer is responsible for ensuring that the patient’s needs during transport are anticipated. This may include securing specialized services such as Advanced Life Support (ALS).

Active Labor

EMTALA includes specific provisions for pregnant women in active labor. The federal law requires that a pregnant woman in active labor not be transferred unless the woman requests it or the transfer is medically appropriate.