Impact Report Emphasizes How ACEP Defends You and Demands Better

ACEP released its annual Impact Report in late June, detailing recent initiatives, achievements and ongoing advocacy work for emergency physicians and their patients. This comprehensive report highlights ACEP’s commitment to addressing critical issues and reinforces a commitment to helping emergency physicians deliver the best possible care.

• EMTALA Obligations and Reproductive Health Care One of the key highlights of the IMPACT Report is ACEP’s dedication to supporting the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). ACEP has crafted a policy statement, “Access to Reproductive Health Care in the ED,” which safeguards decision-making authority, allowing emergency physicians to provide care without fearing criminal repercussions. This policy underscores ACEP’s commitment to protecting physicians’ clinical autonomy and ensuring patients receive necessary reproductive health care in emergency settings.
• Advocacy for Federal Grants and Legal Protections ACEP’s relentless advocacy efforts have secured $25.8 million in federal grants to support Alternatives to Opioids and Medication Assisted Treatment programs. These funds are vital for enhancing patient care and addressing the opioid crisis. Additionally, in response to the American Physician Partners bankruptcy, ACEP actively fought for legal protections for affected physicians, urged fair treatment from 130 administrators, and provided access to legal resources, demonstrating its unwavering support for emergency medical professionals.
• Defending Clinical Authority and Opposing Scope of Practice Expansion ACEP remains vigilant in defending the clinical authority of emergency physicians, aggressively opposing state bills that expand the scope of practice for nonphysicians. ACEP stood against the Improving Care and Access to Nurses Act, which threatened to allow non-physicians to take over physicians’ roles. ACEP developed model legislation and a playbook to assist Chapters in combating such threats, ensuring emergency physicians maintain their clinical authority.
• Ensuring Fair Payment and Reimbursement ACEP is the only emergency medicine organization with representation on the Relative Value Scale Update Committee, a crucial body that influences physician payment recommendations to the federal government. ACEP’s efforts have prevented an estimated $30 million in reductions to the relative value units for ED Evaluation and Management codes. ACEP also provided extensive resources, including articles, FAQs, webinars, and podcasts, to help physicians navigate significant changes to CPT Documentation Guidelines.
• Opposing Profit-Driven Motives and Promoting Transparency ACEP has taken a strong stand against corporatization in medicine. A recent policy statement condemned dangerous corporate practices and facilitated a conversation with FTC Chair Lina M. Khan at ACEP23, addressing concerns about increasing health care acquisitions. ACEP has also defended physicians’ rights to practice freely by opposing predatory non-compete clauses.
• Addressing the ED Boarding Crisis ACEP has proactively addressed the boarding crisis by hosting a National ED Boarding Summit with key stakeholders to discuss solutions. ACEP mobilized members to bring boarding concerns to Capitol Hill and urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to address systemic health system dysfunctions. ACEP’s advocacy efforts have led to the formation of a multi-stakeholder initiative on boarding by the Department of Health and Human Services.
• Advocating for the No Surprises Act and Combating Misinformation ACEP has been at the forefront of advocating for fair implementation of the No Surprises Act, filing amicus briefs, providing testimony, and engaging with agencies to ensure appropriate reimbursement for emergency care. ACEP also has countered misinformation about emergency care, challenging an irresponsible report by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

ACEP’s Impact Report highlights tireless efforts to support the specialty, advocate for fair policies and enhance patient care. Through advocacy, strategic initiatives, and a commitment to transparency and fairness, ACEP continues to empower emergency physicians to focus on delivering quality patient care.