Under what circumstance can a hospital not divert an Advanced Life Support (ALS) unit?

A hospital cannot divert an Advanced Life Support (ALS) unit during WORK actions such as strikes because patient care must take precedence regardless of the circumstances affecting hospital operations. In the event of a strike or labor action, hospitals are still legally obligated to provide care to incoming patients, especially those requiring advanced life support.

During a strike, the hospital must maintain critical services to ensure that patients receive the necessary medical attention they need. This obligation is paramount in maintaining public safety and adhering to healthcare regulations. While options like staffing shortages, natural disasters, and system overload may create challenges for hospital operations, they do not necessarily prevent the hospital from receiving and treating patients needing ALS services. In contrast, the legal and ethical responsibilities during a strike emphasize that patient care cannot be compromised even amid potential shortages or disruptions in personnel.