This commentary addresses the care of an undocumented immigrant with neuromyelitis optica in the context of a state law designed to deny state-funded medical services to individuals whose presence in the United States is unlawful. It considers specific circumstances in which the law would permit or require medical care for undocumented persons in state medical facilities, including a duty to "stabilize" an "emergency medical condition" and the provision of care necessary to "protect life or safety." It also addresses dilemmas clinicians may experience when faced with an apparent tension between their professional ethical obligations and legal rules aimed at enforcing immigration policies. © 2014 American Academy of Neurology.

[No Keywords available]

patient care human medical ethics priority journal Review law health care facility medical care illegal immigrant health care disparity myelooptic neuropathy medical service United States immigration emergency health service