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“Boarding” in the emergency department is a result of dangerous health system overload that puts patients in a holding pattern as they wait for an inpatient bed or transfer after their initial care. These delays can last hours, days, weeks, or longer.
Boarding is a public health emergency and systemic crisis. Staffing challenges and burnout exacerbate the crisis and perpetuate a dangerous and sometimes deadly cycle. ACEP is taking the lead to identify collaborative solutions.
ACEP has been leading national efforts to address ED crowding and boarding for several decades. Currently we are advocating directly with the White House, bipartisan members of Congress, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders involved in constructive approaches to alleviate the factors that lead to our nation’s boarding crisis.