About

Mary Ellen Palowitch, MHA, RN is the founder and principal of MEP Healthcare Consulting and a nationally recognized expert in EMTALA and Medicare hospital compliance. She brings decades of regulatory, operational, and clinical experience to her work with hospitals and health systems.

Mary Ellen previously served at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), where she was the EMTALA Technical Lead from 2012 to 2020, helping shape and interpret federal EMTALA policy and enforcement nationwide. In this role, she:

• Led national implementation and interpretation of EMTALA requirements
• Trained federal and state surveyors conducting EMTALA investigations
• Collaborated with the HHS Office of Inspector General on enforcement actions and civil monetary penalties
• Responded to EMTALA inquiries from Congress, government agencies, hospitals, providers, consultants, and healthcare associations

Beyond CMS, Mary Ellen has advised healthcare organizations from multiple vantage points, including:

• Regulatory and policy support for hospitals and health systems at a national law firm
• Oversight of accreditation and hospice survey programs supporting CMS requirements
• Hands-on clinical and nursing leadership experience in emergency, trauma, critical care, medical, and surgical settings

Through MEP Healthcare Consulting, Mary Ellen provides practical, tailored EMTALA guidance grounded in real-world experience—helping healthcare leaders reduce risk, avoid penalties, and approach compliance with clarity and confidence.

Mary Ellen Palowitch is not an attorney but will collaborate with and provide support to your legal team. Consultative services are not protected by attorney-client privilege.