The third season of the American fictional drama television series ER first aired on September 26, 1996, and concluded on May 15, 1997.

In the aftermath of her departure, Mark begins to fall into depression, develops a meaner attitude, and starts sleeping with County General nurse Chuny Marquez, although they soon break up.

Benton also starts dating Carla Reece, who becomes pregnant and gives premature birth to his son at the end of the season.

Weaver supports Jeanie, who is forced to reveal her HIV-status early in the season, when Mark gains unauthorized access to her medical records.

While Jeanie struggles with her condition, she becomes involved with a doctor from the Infectious Diseases department, before reuniting with her ex-husband, Al.

Finally Michael Hissrich joined the production team in the junior role of associate producer.

The other new single episode directors were David Nutter, series editor Jacque Elaine Toberen, Perry Lang, Davis Guggenheim, and Michael Katleman.

A wedding in the waiting room contrasts with Greene's inability to express his feelings to Lewis, even though it is her last day in the ER.

Elsewhere, nurse Lydia finally gets her cop boyfriend to marry her, while Doug and runaway Charlie try to help a baby whose mother has vanished.

A brother donates a kidney to his sister, a stroke patient receives cutting-edge treatment, and Jeanie's ex is accepted into a new AIDS-drug study.

The ER staff is amused when they find and pass around the manuscript of a "sleazy, tongue-in-cheek romance" which thinly parodies the doctors and nurses.