Hospitals and Health Care Facilities - As enacted, prohibits a hospital emergency department, including a satellite emergency department, from denying to a woman who presents at such facility and purports or, if incapacitated, appears to be pregnant and experiencing active labor, other symptoms associated with active labor, or an emergency medical condition, an appropriate medical screening examination within the capability of the emergency department, including ancillary services routinely available to the emergency department, to determine whether or not an emergency medical condition or active labor exists; makes other related changes. - Amends TCA Title 63 and Title 68.

HB 1943 requires Tennessee hospital emergency departments to provide a medical screening exam to pregnant women reporting active labor or an emergency medical condition, without denial or delay. It prohibits transferring a pregnant woman to another facility unless her condition is stabilized (per federal EMTALA standards) and mandates that transfers only occur with a physician's written certification of medical necessity and the patient's informed consent. The bill directly affects pregnant women seeking emergency care and hospitals operating emergency departments, imposing penalties for violations like denying screenings or transferring without proper authorization. Key provisions include requiring hospitals to offer stabilization treatment or a safe transfer option, documenting patient consent for refusals, and ensuring transfers meet federal guidelines for specialized care. This legislation aligns Tennessee's emergency care protocols for pregnant patients with existing federal emergency medical treatment laws.