According to EMTALA, which of the following circumstances would NOT be an adequate reason for transferring a non-stabilized patient?

A patient asking for a transfer in writing, even with an understanding of the risks, does not adequately justify transferring a non-stabilized patient according to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). EMTALA places a strong emphasis on patient stabilization before any transfer is executed. While a patient may wish to transfer for various personal reasons, such as preferring a different facility or wanting to be closer to home, their request cannot supersede the obligation of the medical facility to ensure the patient's safety and stability first.

In contrast, the other scenarios presented highlight situations where the transfer might be necessary or justified: if a patient's condition has worsened, if the transferring facility cannot provide necessary treatment, or if a specialist is unavailable, these are valid medical reasons that necessitate a transfer, as the care required could not be provided adequately at the initial facility. In such circumstances, the focus remains on the patient's health and the capacity of healthcare resources, which aligns with EMTALA regulations.