Will Doctors Be Forced To Identify Undocumenteds?

According to the Battle Creek Enquirer, there is a repayment program for hospitals that would force doctors to identify how many of its patients are undocumented or out of immigration status. This would have a serious impact on whether people feel free to visit hospitals and doctors, which could lead sick people to avoid getting the medical care they need to avoid falling gravely ill (and endangering the health of their family, their neighbors, and their community).

Sounds like the federal government is sacrificing public health, welfare, and productivity for the sake of gathering sensitive information.

For health facilities to be eligible to receive the reimbursement funds, however, staff physicians must ask patients about their citizenship status — something opponents argue will place doctors in an ethical tight spot and ultimately usher in more health problems.