As we close out 2024, ACEP’s chapters were invited to share news from the past year and preview what’s to come. Chapters have been busy advocating for physician autonomy, hosting educational events, and continuing to support their members on a variety of practice issues.

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Alabama

The Alabama Chapter appointed Benjamin Von Schweinitz, MD, FACEP, to the Statewide Trauma and Health System Advisory Council, and Julie Brown, MD, to the Birmingham Regional Emergency Medical Services System. ALACEP’s ability to appoint board-certified emergency physicians to these positions is important to ensure that emergent patient care standards are maintained.

Arizona

AzCEP supports emergency department-based clinical research and emergency medicine residents, medical students, and fellows as they work toward their future careers. For the past 13 years and with $20,000 in grant dollars, we have made it a priority to support emergency medicine training programs throughout Arizona.

Arkansas

Several Arkansas ACEP officers attended ACEP24 in Las Vegas, where they shared ideas and strategies to strengthen the chapter’s work. Arkansas ACEP is also planning a residency visit to Unity Health–White County Medical Center. Looking ahead to the chapter’s annual meeting in December, the chapter leaders will hold officer elections and recognize the hard work and dedication of its members.

California

The chapter secured $200 million annually for Medicaid increases for emergency physicians—the first increase in 20 years. The increase was approved in 2023, but the governor proposed to take it to backfill the state’s deficit in 2024. Emergency physicians were the only ones to get funding restored. The chapter also championed AB-977, which will increase penalties for emergency department violence.

Colorado

COACEP, together with other specialty societies, hospitals, and insurers, formed a coalition called Coloradans Protecting Patient Access (CPPA) to fight the proposed removal of medical malpractice caps and an attack on peer review protections. The governor’s office helped broker a deal between the lawyers’ association and CPPA to maintain the sanctity of peer review, while increasing medical malpractice caps a reasonable amount.

Connecticut

Connecticut ACEP members successfully advocated for state accountability on emergency department boarding. By leading a working group, they helped secure legislation requiring hospitals to report metrics on boarding. They are continuing to work to institute quality measures and other recommendations to help address boarding and improve patient care.

District of Columbia

The DCACEP Chapter submitted two resolutions that were passed by the ACEP Council in October 2024—Workplace Violence and the first resolution of support for the Well Workplace policy statement. The DCACEP Chapter also collaborated with the Medical Society of the District of Columbia (MSDC) on licensing and renewals in Washington, D.C.

Florida

The Florida Chapter focused on leadership development through clear expectations and open communication; expanded influence through strategic engagement and strengthening external communications with legislators, the public, and others; prioritized membership engagement and set record attendance at FCEP’s Symposium by the Sea; and relocated to a new headquarters, eliminating the chapter’s mortgage obligation.

Georgia

In December, GCEP hosts its Leadership and Advocacy Conference with a record number of Georgia General Assembly guests. For 2025, GCEP plans a medical liability reform push, partnering with the Medical Association of Georgia (MAG) and other specialty societies. GCEP is well positioned to lead the fight, with the chapter’s members chairing MAG’s Council on Legislation and its Tort Relief Taskforce.

Government Services

In 2024, GSACEP hosted its largest Government Services Symposium, welcoming more than 150 participants. The chapter selected Capt. Mike Ramirez, MD, MS, as the second COL (Dr.) Dave Barry Leadership Development fellow. GSACEP also continued its research efforts to assess military health care readiness and ensure access to mental health resources.

Hawaii

Hawaii ACEP bid aloha mid-term to a wonderful president, Beth England, MD, and welcomed Mark Baker, MD, FACEP, in serving his third presidential term. HI-ACEP advocated at Leadership and Advocacy Conference for solutions to emergency department boarding, mental health, and physician safety. The chapter’s annual conference was a wonderful event with members, and bylaws revisions were approved. Jobs are available in paradise for anyone interested!

Idaho

Idaho ACEP worked with national ACEP to release a statement following the SCOTUS decision to allow emergency abortions in Idaho. The chapter remains hopeful that more states will lift restrictions to vital emergency care,  position outlined in amicus briefs filed in Texas and Idaho by ACEP, defending physician autonomy.

Illinois

ICEP’s Patient and Physician Advocacy Committee has been working with the Illinois Political Action Committee to provide campaign donations and make in-person visits to political events for candidates who support emergency medicine access and safety. ICEP is working with aligned professional societies to pass patient safety legislation, ensuring patients’ access to physician-directed care and freedom from workplace violence.

Indiana

The Indiana Chapter has fought for fair reimbursement for emergency department services during the past year. The chapter had meetings with emergency medicine groups, insurance companies, and state legislative agencies, and will continue to work toward fair reimbursement during the state’s upcoming legislative session.

Iowa

The chapter strengthened member engagement, networking, and educational opportunities through a successful annual meeting with more than 30 members and guests, development of a new joint educational series with the two Iowa residencies featuring a live podcast event, and hosting a dedicated reception at ACEP24.

Kansas

In 2024, the chapter had a record turnout and engagement at the ACEP Council Meeting. Additionally, we had the privilege of hosting ACEP Immediate Past President Aisha Terry, MD, FACEP, for Grand Rounds at the University of Kansas emergency residency program.

Kentucky

In 2024, Kentucky ACEP focused on physician billing and coding, and engaging with state leadership. Kentucky’s annual state chapter meeting was another success. The University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville emergency medicine resident programs continued their annual “Battle of the Bluegrass,” competing in knowledge and procedural events in a fun, spirited contest.

Louisiana

The LAACEP chapter authored the chapter council allocation resolution, and it was passed. Chapter councillor allocation will now be calculated based on the average for the year, instead of the final number on December 31. Phillip LeBas, MD, FACEP, received the ACEP Council Curmudgeon Award.

Maine

This year the Maine Chapter updated their bylaws and worked with the state of Maine to address the boarding of pediatric behavioral health patients.

Maryland

In April 2024, Maryland ACEP hosted its annual Educational Conference and Annual Meeting, attracting more than 150 attendees. Chapter leaders participated in the HSCRC ED Flow Committee, advocating for emergency physicians throughout Maryland. The yearly Legislative Reception in Annapolis welcomed many key legislators and staff, who engaged with chapter members advocating for emergency
medicine in the state.

Massachusetts

In June 2024, MACEP held a successful advocacy day at the State House and prioritized strengthening safety protections for health care; overhauling the involuntary commitment landscape for individuals grappling with alcohol and substance use disorders; and stressing deteriorating health care conditions, including the boarding crisis leading to poor patient outcomes, avoidable deaths, physician burnout, and a worsening workforce shortage.

Michigan

The Michigan Chapter celebrated the election of MCEP Past President, Diana Nordlund, DO, FACEP, to the ACEP Board of Directors. Rami Khoury, MD, FACEP, completed his term on the ACEP Board. Earl Reisdorff, MD, FACEP, received the 2024 James D. Mills Outstanding Contribution to Emergency Medicine Award. Advocacy efforts included conversations with state leaders about Medicaid reimbursement increases, as well as additional protections for emergency department workers from workplace violence.

Minnesota

During the past year, the Minnesota Chapter focused on addressing legislative efforts and increasing member engagement. The chapter rebuilt its Legislative and Advocacy Task Force to educate members on the state’s legislative process, inform the board on priority issues, and create an alert system for members to contact state officials.

Missouri

During the 2024 legislative session, MOCEP protected Missouri’s scope of practice boundaries. The chapter supported expanded prescription drug discounts and federal reimbursements to offset Missouri’s health care budget. MOCEP’s 2025 priorities are scope of practice, physicians in every emergency department, workplace violence, down coding, and protecting physician reimbursement.

Montana

MT ACEP started a chapter of The Naloxone Project, a national effort to directly distribute free naloxone from emergency departments statewide. Additionally, two large grants are under consideration that would distribute free naloxone from all 66 emergency departments in the state. Montana teamed up with Idaho and Wyoming and will host a Northwestern Ski Symposium Feb. 6, 2025, in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Nebraska

Nebraska ACEP has been successful in strengthening the chapter. It held a highly attended annual meeting in late summer, participated in the state medical association’s Advocacy Breakfast, where chapter leaders connected with state legislators, and advocated for emergency medicine during the legislative session.

Nevada

NV ACEP focused on enhancing its engagement with emergency medicine residents this year. At ACEP24 in Las Vegas, the chapter organized a mixer that drew an excellent turnout of residents, and our board members are hopeful it could lead them to become more involved with ACEP.

New Hampshire

To boost engagement and offer greater value to our members, the NH chapter proudly hosted Ski Day in February and a beautiful lake cruise in September. Although there was a nominal fee for Ski Day, the lake cruise was complimentary for our members, and family members were welcomed.

New Jersey

New Jersey ACEP, through the Access to Care Coalition, met with state representatives to continue to advocate for patient protection by standing firmly against removing physicians from the front lines. The chapter continues to focus on growing membership from the ground up and visited with every medical school in the state.

New Mexico

NM ACEP worked with Sen. Martin Heinrich this year to support legislation allowing patients with opioid use disorder greater access to buprenorphine. The chapter added a medical student to its board to hear and understand the issues that are most important to the next generation of emergency physicians.

New York

New York ACEP is working to advance legislation addressing emergency department violence. The chapter also defeated physician assistant independent practice and maintained the physician-led team; supported the expanded ability for first response services to administer blood transfusions; and supported insurance coverage and cost ceilings on epinephrine.

North Carolina

In 2024, NCCEP was proud to have a second member, Jennifer Casaletto, MD, FACEP, elected to the ACEP Board of Directors in as many years. The chapter successfully lobbied BCBSNC to rescind an inappropriate policy regarding evaluation and management codes. The chapter also banded together to recover from Hurricane Helene, which devastated western North Carolina, affecting the state’s local communities and national IV fluid supplies.

Ohio

The Residents’ Assembly and Medical Student Symposium had a record attendance of 450. Ohio ACEP’s Advocacy Day spurred House Bill 452, addressing hospital violence, which is now advancing to the Senate. At the ACEP Council, Ohio members held leadership roles, and at ACEP24, the newly edited Carol Rivers’ Emergency Medicine textbook was showcased. The chapter also offered ultrasound, oral board, and emergent delivery sim courses.

Oklahoma

The Oklahoma College of Emergency Medicine Physicians unveiled a new website in 2024, featuring member spotlights, advocacy updates, and a searchable database for statewide emergency department resources. OCEP leaders are making resident outreach visits to promote College activities and benefits of membership. Priorities for 2025 include member engagement and retention, leadership development, and state advocacy efforts.

Oregon

OR-ACEP’s greatest success this year was lobbying in support of an EMS modernization bill that will strengthen statewide EMS coordination and ensure timely access to trauma, cardiac, stroke, critical care, and behavioral health specialty care. OR-ACEP worked with state agencies and legislators to address the boarding crisis and improve health system capacity by implementing a statewide transfer coordination center.

Pennsylvania

The chapter’s biggest victory was the successful passage of legislation to limit health care noncompete agreements to one year. This landmark law was signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro in July and will take effect Jan. 1, 2025. The chapter leaders extend special thanks to Rep. Dan Frankel and Rep. Arvind Venkat, MD, (an ACEP member) for their instrumental roles in achieving this outcome.

Puerto Rico

In May 2024, Puerto Rico ACEP hosted its annual Caribbean Congress in San Juan, attracting more than 250 attendees. Additionally, the chapter hosted two virtual discussions on managing critically ill patients and resuscitating poisoned patients. Dedicated to emergency medicine’s future, Puerto Rico ACEP provided mentorship and support to residents attending ACEP’s Leadership and Advocacy Conference and other chapter events.

Rhode Island

The chapter supported the Health Care Provider Shield Act with successful passage and testified on numerous malpractice bills.

South Carolina

This year, the chapter concluded the two-year legislative session, and with the help of the South Carolina Medical Association, South Carolina ACEP successfully held off a broad scope expansion bill that would have granted unsupervised practice to nonphysicians. The chapter plans to introduce a “physician onsite” bill in 2025 to ensure physician-led care in all emergency departments.

South Dakota

The South Dakota Chapter is using 2025 to begin re-engaging the SD ACEP chapter members and working to get its yearly educational conference back up and running.

Tennessee

TNCEP addressed key issues, including opposing a bill that would have overturned Tennessee’s Corporate Practice of Medicine Act, which prohibits most instances of direct employment of emergency physicians by hospitals; supporting the requirement that physician assistants collaborate with a physician; supporting increased penalties for health care facility assaults; and supporting a bill to limit emergency department boarding (although it failed to pass).

Texas

TCEP played a significant role in overturning the Marsillo v. Dunnick (snakebite) case, ensuring that plaintiffs must prove willful and wanton treatment in emergency malpractice cases. TCEP also led efforts to prevent the closure of the CHRISTUS Spohn Emergency Medicine Residency program by educating hospital administrators on the program’s importance to patients in the community.

Utah

The chapter held its annual Utah Emergency Medicine Physician Summit, which this year featured ACEP Immediate Past President Aisha Terry, MD, FACEP; Don Stader, MD, FACEP; Amal Mattu, MD, FACEP; and other esteemed speakers. The chapter also advocated for minimum standards for freestanding emergency departments, because services and staffing are in danger of being scaled back as the number of facilities continues to increase.

Vermont

Vermont ACEP is advocating for physician-led emergency care and opposing a proposal for standalone emergency departments staffed by nonphysicians. Through a detailed letter to the Green Mountain Care Board, the chapter highlighted the essential role of emergency physicians in ensuring patient safety, care quality, and efficiency, reinforcing the value of physician-led emergency department teams.

Virginia

Chapter leaders successfully advocated for a law requiring a physician be physically present in emergency departments starting in July 2025. Another new law allows family access to patients under Emergency Custody Order/Temporary Detention Order in the emergency department unless the physician deems it unsafe. Opposed by Virginia ACEP, a bill reduced training for nurse practitioner independent practice from five to three years.

Washington

Washington ACEP successfully defeated inappropriate scope of practice proposals in 2024. A current statewide priority is cardiac and stroke system legislation. PAC activities led to early support of the state’s new insurance commissioner—the chapter hopes to be a resource for her going forward. The chapter continues to engage membership through events and its annual conference.

West Virginia

WVACEP developed a new five-year strategic plan. The strategic pillars are advocacy, membership, value, education, and sustainability. These strategic pillars will guide the organization’s work during the next five years. The Emergency Medicine Summit 2024 took place on Sept. 19, 2024. WVACEP will celebrate its 50th anniversary in October 2025.

Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Chapter remains dedicated to enhancing Medicaid reimbursement rates for emergency codes and advocates for staffing emergency departments with qualified physicians to address crucial scope of practice issues. Along with state residency programs, WI-ACEP hosted the Annual Wisconsin Emergency Medicine Research Forum. The chapter is committed to fostering greater member engagement and expanding support for those in the state’s rural areas.