Chapter Accomplishments and State Legislative Priorities

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

The Alabama Chapter partnered with other health organizations in its state to launch the "Odds Are" Campaign to address fentanyl overdoses. During the campaign’s launch, Alabama Chapter Board Member Bobby Lewis, MD, FACEP, detailed the emergency department perspective and insight into the state’s fentanyl crisis. Find more on the “Odds Are” Campaign at https://vitalalabama.com/get-information/odds-are-alabama/.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Workplace Violence Prevention
2. Scope of Practice Expansion
3. Medicaid Expansion in Alabama

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

The Alaska Chapter has worked hard to enhance the impact of emergency physicians throughout the state through legislative advocacy in Juneau, including the 80% rule and other reimbursement issues. Additionally, the chapter collaborated on clinical guidelines such as frostbite, trauma, and stroke, among other initiatives.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues
2. Resources and coordination of care for underserved/high utilizer populations
3. Clinical guidelines and collaboration - Trauma, stroke, and frostbite

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

AzCEP achieved several legislative victories that were enacted into law, benefiting various health care professionals, including rural clinicians and the EMS community. Many of these successes were championed by AzCEP Board Member, State Rep. Amish Shah, MD, FACEP. These laws were collective wins for the hospitals, emergency physicians and patients.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Scope of Practice Expansion
2. Boarding & Crowding
3. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

Arkansas ACEP has been busy at work with outreach activities, including an upcoming visit to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Emergency Medicine Residency program and an Arkansas ACEP event planned for Northwest Arkansas. The chapter also plans CME opportunities in emergency obstetrical care and treatment of opioid use disorder.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Workplace Violence Prevention
2. Mental Health
3. Opioid/Substance Abuse Response

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

The State Legislature passed the first Medi-Cal rate increase in 20 years. The initial proposal included increases for primary care and mental health clinicians but did not include emergency physicians, who care for a disproportionate share of this patient population. (One-third of the state’s population is insured by Medi-Cal, yet 42 percent of ED visits are made by Medi-Cal patients.) CalACEP staff and member physicians engaged in aggressive lobbying and grassroots efforts on this access, equity, and reimbursement issue —and their advocacy efforts literally paid off.

Starting in 2025, $200 million will be devoted annually to increase emergency physician reimbursement. This would not have happened without the chapter’s work, which resulted in emergency physicians being the only physician specialty specifically identified in the legislation!

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Boarding and Crowding
2. Mental Health
3. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

During the 2023 legislative session, physician assistants (PAs) pursued the ability to practice medicine without physician supervision. CO ACEP fought hard to assure that PAs are liable for the care they provide and requiring supervisory agreements for new PAs, PAs changing their specialty and PAs practicing in the ED at Level I and II trauma centers. The chapter continues to work on this scope of practice issue as the rules and regulations for its implementation are developed. In addition to the change in the PAs scope of practice, CO ACEP worked to enhance extreme risk protection orders while preserving patients' HIPAA right and ensuring emergency physicians carry no liability in such circumstances.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Protecting professional liability non-economic damage caps from a looming threat
2. Out of Network/Surprise Billing
3. Opioid/Substance Abuse Response

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

CCEP was actively involved in many pieces of legislation during the 2023 session, including establishing a task force to examine the increase of patient boarding in emergency departments statewide. The task force is charged with providing recommendations to the CT General Assembly for implementation during the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Boarding and Crowding
2. Out of Network/Surprise Billing
3. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

During ACEP’s Leadership and Advocacy Conference, the Delaware Chapter members had successful meetings with Rep. Lisa Blunt-Rochester’s team, Sen. Chris Coons and his team, and Sen. Tom Carper and his team regarding emergency department crowding and boarding, workplace violence in the ED, and the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.

The conversations were well-received, and chapter leaders said they felt fortunate to have national representation that is supportive and engaged in health care issues. Delaware ACEP sponsored several members to attend a pediatric skills course this year.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Boarding and Crowding
2. Out of Network/Surprise Billing
3. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

The DCACEP Chapter submitted two resolutions that were passed by the ACEP Council in October 2023: "Declaring Firearm Violence a Public Health Crisis" and "Clarification of and Taking a Position Against Use of Excited Delirium Syndrome." The DCACEP Chapter is also the proud chapter of the new national ACEP President, Aisha T. Terry, MD, MPH, FACEP.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Workplace Violence Prevention
2. Boarding & Crowding
3. Mental Health

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

FCEP's events and annual conference continue to grow exponentially in attendance and member value. During its Emergency Medicine Days event, 25 attendees met with more than 30 state legislators to discuss the chapter’s 2023 legislative priorities.

The Life After Residency conference provided more than 60 PGY-2 & PGY-3 EM residents the opportunity to meet employers, learn valuable life lessons and spend time together outside the hospital in a relaxed but educational environment. Symposium by the Sea 2023 featured a balance of scientific presentations, networking/social events, resident competitions, and unique opportunities for attendees to engage with their peers in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Scope of Practice
2. Expansion Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues
3. Workplace Violence Prevention

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

GCEP completed the second year of applications for its Georgia Diversity Scholarship, designed to help an underrepresented, minority, 4th year medical student participate in an emergency medicine rotation in the state. GCEP continues to support a successful leadership fellowship program that equips its participants for advocacy at multiple levels. The chapter will have three new leadership fellows in 2024, and many graduates are actively involved in GCEP, ACEP and the AMA.

We hosted three excellent CME conferences. The Rural Emergency & Critical Care Conference continues to draw attendees from many states and is considered the premier course for this topic. The chapter also hosted a Leadership and Advocacy conference, as well as the Coastal Emergency Medicine Conference, which is a tri-state event among Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Tort Reform
2. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues
3. Mental Health

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

In 2023, GSACEP hosted its largest Government Services Symposium in Austin, Texas, welcoming more than 150 participants. The event featured three days of outstanding educational programming, product exhibits, a research showcase, KSA labs, friendly residency program competition in its annual SimWars, and the opportunity for collaboration between active duty and reserve military, VA and other federal agency physicians.

GSACEP also selected CPT Katey Osborne, MD as the inaugural COL (Dr.) Dave Barry Leadership Development Fellow, designed to develop and prepare future military and federal EM leaders by combining elements of coaching with skills in organization, education, advocacy, and involvement.

At the ACEP23 Council meeting, GSACEP also sponsored two resolutions - Metric Shaming and Compensation for Required Training - which both passed with minor amendments. GSACEP also continued its advocacy efforts to decrease boarding in military and federal hospital facilities, ensuring health care readiness in the military, and providing mental health resources and support for GSACEP physicians, their patients, and members of the U.S. armed forces.

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

Hawaii ACEP had several legislative successes this year, including:

• Incorporation of Senate Bill 397 into the state budget (originally SB397), which mandates an increase in Medicaid reimbursements to be equal to Medicare reimbursements.
• Passage of SB674, the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which creates an expedited pathway for currently licensed physicians to become licensed in multiple states.
• Incorporation of HB661 into the state budget, which provides an addition of $10 million in fiscal year 2024 and $20 million in 2025 for the Hawaii State Loan Repayment Program for Healthcare Professionals.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Expand Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Resources
2. Improve Access to Care by Reducing the Physician Shortage
3. Boarding & Crowding

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

With the partnership of the Idaho Academy of Family Physicians, the Idaho Medical Association, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Idaho chapter achieved greater clarity on abortion-related language. HB 374 eliminates the affirmative defense standard (guilty until proven innocent), but solely focuses on the life, not the health, of the mother. The bill includes exceptions for ectopic or molar pregnancy, the removal of a deceased unborn child, and the treatment of a woman who is no longer pregnant.

For the upcoming year, the chapter plans to collaborate with IMA to designate EMS as an essential service and reform the process for mental health holds, aiming to enable physicians to release the hold, aligning with practices in other states.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Mental Health
2. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues
3. Reproductive Health

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

During the past year, ICEP has made significant strides in advancing the chapter’s advocacy priorities:

• The introduction of Illinois Senate Bills 1621 and 1622 marked a pivotal moment in the chapter’s fight against violence targeting health care workers in the emergency department.
• The chapter’s efforts to combat boarding issues have resulted in constructive dialogues with health care leaders and policy makers.
• In the chapter’s campaign against scope creep, chapter leaders successfully established a foundation for future regulatory clarity.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Workplace Violence Prevention
2. Scope of Practice Expansion
3. Boarding & Crowding

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

The Indiana Chapter advocated for the passage of SEA 400, which states that emergency departments must have an on-site and on-duty physician at all times that is responsible for the emergency department.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues
2. Workplace Violence Prevention
3. Boarding & Crowding

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

The Iowa Chapter advocated for tort reform and non-economic damage caps. The chapter continues to fight for rights of the emergency physician.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Heartbeat Law
2. Other Pregnancy & Abortion Rights
3. Boarding & Crowding

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

Kansas ACEP worked in close collaboration with the state’s elected officials and helped push for increased funding for behavioral health emergencies, securing $22.5 million dollars in funding to help create a new Behavioral Health Emergency Department. The chapter is also arranging a large advocacy event in Topeka, where many KSACEP members will meet with legislators to discuss issues currently impacting emergency medicine.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Private Equity in Emergency Medicine
2. Boarding & Crowding
3. Nurse Staffing Ratios

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

Kentucky ACEP has focused on physician scope of practice. In addition to this work, the chapter added an emergency pediatric section to its Board of Directors to further involve our community. The chapter continues to partner with its Medical Student Council and provides support and education. KY ACEP furthers its efforts with the Kentucky Medical Association on health care legislative issues in the state. The chapter’s annual meeting has provided a venue for statewide research poster presentations and the “Battle of the Bluegrass” emergency medicine residency competition.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Boarding and Crowding
2. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues
3. Scope of Practice Expansion

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

During 2023, the Louisiana Chapter celebrated its members’ achievements in excellence, including Dr. Nicole McCoin’s honor as recipient of the ACEP National Emergency Medicine Faculty Teaching Award. Dr. Keith Van Meter was elected by the LA-ACEP Board to serve as its representative on the Governor's Louisiana Emergency Response Network. Dr. Jamie Kuo was elected by the chapter Board to represent LA-ACEP at the 2023 Louisiana State Medical Society House of Delegates. She was also appointed to serve on the National ACEP State Legislative and Regulatory Committee, where she joins veteran members, Dr. Debbie Fletcher, and Dr. Luke LeBas.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. To maintain a physician in every emergency department in the state, with reiteration of the ACEP gold standard - board-certified, residency-trained emergency medicine physician.
2. To address scope of practice expansion and protect the physician-led care team.
3. To advocate against corporate entities controlling physician care.

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

This year, the Maine Chapter created a new political action committee (PAC). The chapter PAC will focus on state legislative issues related to emergency medicine and Maine emergency physicians.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Nurse Staffing Ratios
2. Mental Health
3. Boarding & Crowding

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

The Maryland ACEP Chapter Practice Management Committee successfully organized two highly attended virtual events. The first event centered on the current and future state of EMS offloading, and the second event explored potential strategies for the future of the Global Budget Revenue program in emergency medicine. Additionally, prominent chapter leaders regularly participate in the HSCRC ED Flow Committee, advocating for emergency physicians in Maryland.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Boarding and Crowding
2. Collaborating with the HSCRC on the renegotiation of Maryland’s Total Cost of Care Model Agreement to ensure that policies do not negatively impact emergency departments.
3. Protecting scope of practice to ensure that care teams are physician led.

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

MACEP is known as a strong advocate for emergency medicine and was invited by the State Legislature to participate in several State workgroups focused on boarding and crowding, as well as stroke.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Workplace Violence Prevention
2. Out of Network/Surprise Billing
3. Boarding & Crowding

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

MCEP hosted another successful Michigan Emergency Medicine Assembly that was well attended and featured a balanced mix of exceptional educational presentations, networking/social events, resident rapid-fire lectures, family fun, and ended with a special reception to honor the chapter’s past presidents and 2023 award recipients. MCEP’s continued advocacy efforts include:

• Celebrated having the largest chapter contingency at ACEP’s Leadership and Advocacy Conference.
• Applauded the House passing the chapter’s Violence in the ED bills. Members of MCEP’s leadership testified at the House Criminal Justice Committee hearing on the legislation.
• Started conversations about pursuing an increase in Medicaid reimbursement with the state’s Medical Services Administration, which is part of the DHHS.
• Continuing to support ACEP’s efforts working with the FTC on consolidation’s effects on the emergency physician’s reimbursement with the state’s Medical Services Administration, which is part of the DHHS.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Workplace Violence Prevention
2. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues
3. Private Equity/Corporate Issues

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

The Minnesota Chapter is committed to advocating for emergency physicians at the Capitol each year - fighting not just for the professionals in this specialty, but also for the patients. This year, the chapter started significant initiatives to enhance its presence and reach, including the development of a new logo and website. These changes reflect the chapter’s commitment to adapt and grow in response to the evolving needs of the members and the communities they serve. Also, the chapter will host the MN Emergency Medicine Summit for the first time post-pandemic.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues
2. Boarding & Crowding
3. Workplace Violence Prevention

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

The Mississippi Chapter of ACEP has been able to strengthen its engagement with its lobbyist, establishing frontline access to EM-relevant legislation. Each week during Mississippi's legislative session (January through April), the chapter’s Board of Directors receives an itemization of relative initiatives, as well as a comprehensive summary, and timelines for tracking of initiatives from the lobbyist. This access and active channel of communication provides opportunities for the chapter Board to be informed early and to monitor and identify potential threats, as well as opportunities for growth, to best serve emergency medicine in the state.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Scope of Practice Expansion
2. Boarding & Crowding
3. Workplace Violence Prevention

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

MOCEP had a productive legislative year where the chapter battled and protected the scope of practice. Chapter leaders recognize that this will be an ongoing effort for many years to come, and are committed to continuing the fight. The chapter reported an excellent turnout at the Missouri Emergency Medicine Summit, its Advocacy Day, and the Missouri Reception at ACEP23.

The chapter’s EPIC newsletter was revamped this year to provide more content that the members want to read. For more about the chapter’s 2022-23 work, their annual report is on MOCEP.org.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues
2. Boarding & Crowding
3. Workplace Violence Prevention

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

Montana ACEP held a successful Spring Symposium in Bozeman, showcasing local EM experts in a sunny outdoor setting beneath the Bridger Mountain range. Chapter members advocated at the State Capitol for the prioritization of physician-led teams, worked with state leaders to expand mental health services and eliminate ED mental health boarding, and embarked on an advocacy campaign opposing legislation of medical practice standards, including testimony in Helena.

Top 3 State Legislative & Education Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Improving reimbursement for rural healthcare facilities
2. Ensuring that trauma and transfer coordination around Montana is complimentary to the practice of Emergency Medicine
3. In 2024, we are expanding our educational mission to 2 annual educational meetings and a networking partnership with the Wyoming and Idaho chapters

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

NV ACEP is committed to advocating for emergency physicians at the state capital during the biennial Legislative Sessions. In 2023, without a budget for a lobbyist, the chapter successfully interfaced with other organizations to yield reasonable outcomes on two issues: med-mal reform and PA practice independence. As a small state chapter with limited resources and availability, it has been challenging to have the chapter’s interests represented in Carson City when it counts most. The chapter has avoided some onerous bills over the years, which have been significant threats to both patients and physicians’ livelihood, but the challenges are not over.

The chapter’s goal for 2024 is to increase membership and re-engage the current members to leave a mark at the next Legislative session. The ACEP24 Scientific Assembly will come to Las Vegas, Nevada, Sept. 29 - Oct. 2 next year.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Boarding and Crowding
2. Mental Health
3. Out of Network/Surprise Billing

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

Signed by Governor Christopher Sununu, SB 58 is relative to arrests without a warrant, while in the care of a medical professional on the premises of a residential care or health care facility. A physician member of NHACEP testified and helped get this important legislation passed.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024*

*Not available at this time.

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

New Jersey ACEP advocates for emergency physicians by actively engaging with legislators on critical legislative priorities, addressing matters related to scope of practice and other issues affecting the members and their patients. Additionally, chapter leaders regularly visit medical schools and residency programs in the state to better understand their needs and provide support for the next generation of emergency physicians in New Jersey.

Top 3 State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Scope of Practice Expansion
2. Boarding & Crowding
3. Workplace Violence Prevention

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

The chapter’s commitment to the future of emergency medicine continues to grow with the establishment of the New Mexico Medical Student Council. The chapter’s recently formed Recruitment and Retention Committee is dedicated to amplifying member engagement in legislative and advocacy activities. NM ACEP was represented at the ACEP Leadership and Advocacy Conference by six members who met with House and Senate officials’ staff on Capitol Hill to advocate on issues related to ED boarding, workplace violence in the ED and Medicare reimbursement for ED care. The NM ACEP Political Action Committee welcomed new Board members and is set to undergo revitalization.

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. New Mexico Patient's Compensation Fund
2. New Mexico Medical Malpractice Act

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

New York ACEP Chapter advocacy efforts included defeating independent practice for physician assistants, supporting and passing authorization for the Community-Based Paramedicine Demonstration program, as well supporting non-patient specific orders a registered professional nurse may perform. New York ACEP continues to work on advancing legislation to address violence in the emergency department, as well as practitioner identification and advertising.

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Workplace Violence Prevention
2. Scope of Practice Expansion
3. Boarding & Crowding

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

After many years of work, Medicaid expansion is set to begin in North Carolina on December 1, 2023. The chapter also was able to get substantial legislation approved in the General Assembly to combat violence in the ED by requiring each hospital to have a law enforcement officer on site or conduct a security assessment. The new law also requires that data be collected each year on the number of assaults, any charges made and convictions for those charges.

NCCEP member Dr. Seth Bleier was invited to speak to Congress about the implementation of the No Surprises Act and NCCEP is actively working on related issues. The chapter is also proud that NCCEP Past President Dr. Abhi Mehrotra was elected to the ACEP Board of Directors during ACEP Council 2023!

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Boarding and Crowding
2. Out of Network/Surprise Billing
3. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

Members’ voices are essential to identifying and solving the problems that emergency physicians face throughout the state and country.

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Workplace Violence Prevention
2. Nurse Staffing Ratios
3. Boarding & Crowding 

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

Ohio ACEP members met with 36 legislators on Advocacy Day to discuss strengthening the prudent layperson law, violence in the ED and ED boarding. The chapter hosted both the Midwest Medical Student Symposium and Residents’ Assembly, attended by more than 360 individuals. Multiple Ultrasound, LLSA Review and Simulation Based Neonatal & Maternal Skills Courses were also offered, and Dr. Amal Mattu oversaw updates to the Carol Rivers’ Emergency Medicine textbook for a 2024 release of the 11th Edition. The chapter is also proud that Ohio ACEP Past President Dr. Michael McCrea was elected ACEP Council Vice Speaker during ACEP Council 2023!

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Workplace Violence Prevention
2. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues
3. Boarding & Crowding

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

The Oklahoma College of Emergency Physicians (OCEP) invites you to explore our new and improved website, oklahomacep.org. We hope it can soon serve as a go-to reference for all Oklahoma ED docs, ED staff, community leaders, patients, and legislators across the state. It includes user-friendly content, including demographic data on most Oklahoma ERs and an interactive map showing emergency treatment facilities, member spotlights and advocacy updates.

OCEP reports a successful 2023 legislative session in which OCEP members communicated directly with Governor Kevin Stitt to effectively advocate against nursing practitioner independent practice. OCEP leadership continues to prioritize a voting resident member on its Board of Directors and a Councillor spot dedicated to a resident member, highlighting OCEP leadership development of our next generation of Oklahoma emergency physicians. OCEP is proud to support its members Bo Burns as President-Elect of CORD, Derek Martinez as Director of Leadership on the EMRA Board of Directors, and Jeffrey M. Goodloe as Chair of the ACEP Board of Directors.

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024*

• Boarding and crowding
• Mental health
• Encourage physician staffed and physician led emergency department teams
• Out of network/surprise billing

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

The Oregon Chapter’s biggest accomplishment in 2023 was developing, advocating for, and shepherding through the State Legislature a bill to greatly expand Narcan availability throughout the state.

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Workplace Violence Prevention
2. Opioid/Substance Abuse
3. Mental Health

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

In May of 2023, PACEP hosted our largest PACEP23 Scientific Assembly at Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center with a record attendance of 282! Great educational sessions, PACEP Olympics, and Spivey, CPC, and the Keystone Case Competition, and the Image Gallery were just a few of the highlights.

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Boarding, Crowding and Nursing Ratios
2. Mental Health
3. Venue Reform

Biggest Chapter Accomplishment in 2023

Through grassroots efforts and national ACEP's support, ACEP PR was able to derail Senate Bill 1134 that proposed an alternate pathway to emergency medicine specialty certification.

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Scope of Practice Expansion
2. Boarding & Crowding
3. Address legislation that directly affects our specialty in Puerto Rico

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

The chapter’s executive board actively worked on the boarding crisis in our emergency departments with the Governor's office and authored an Op-Ed featured on the front page of the Boston Globe. The chapter is nearing success working with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to raise the rates of Medicaid reimbursements for critical care billing.

Additionally, chapter members successfully advocated for emergency medical dispatch statewide, which will increase bystander CPR rates and subsequent improved outcomes from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The chapter also actively engaged in several initiatives to address climate change's impact on human health. Chapter members testified before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, hosted an Earth Day event, secured funding for a 2024 climate change and health symposium, contributed to environmentally friendly design planning for Alpert Medical School's new life sciences research building, and aided in the development of a Planetary Health curriculum for Alpert Medical School.

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Boarding and Crowding
2. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues
3. Workplace Violence Prevention

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

The South Carolina Chapter is experiencing sustained growth and success, including a flourishing Leadership Fellows program and dynamic Legislative Day. The chapter maintains involvement in the Coastal Emergency Medicine Conference.

On the legislative front, SCCEP successfully advocated against allowing APRNs and PAs to establish independent practice. Additionally, the chapter supported legislation aimed at helping emergency physicians and obstetricians find career pathways in rural areas, while also paving the way for potential freestanding emergency centers to bolster the strength of the state’s safety net.

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Scope of Practice Expansion
2. Workplace Violence Prevention
3. Preventing the Corporate Practice of Medicine

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

With the assistance of local resources and national ACEP, the South Dakota Chapter was successfully able to defeat SD SB 175, which would have allowed for a path to independent PA practice, as well as SD SB 87, which would have allowed for optometrists to perform eye and laser surgeries.

Going forward, scope of practice legislation will continue to be SD ACEP's top priority.

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Scope of Practice Expansion
2. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues
3. Access to Mental Health Care

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

TCEP hosted a successful 2023 educational symposium featuring presentations on various topics and issues impacting emergency medicine in Tennessee. The chapter is committed to the future of emergency medicine as it continues to mentor and provide support for residents attending ACEP's Leadership & Advocacy Conference. All Tennessee ACEP Chapter Councilors demonstrated their personal commitment to the political future and research initiatives of the specialty by supporting NEMPAC and EMF.

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Boarding and Crowding
2. Out of Network/Surprise Billing
3. Scope of Practice Expansion

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

TCEP achieved multiple victories on the legislative front in 2023:

• Thwarted the advancement of numerous scope of practice bills.
• Safeguarded our tort reform law.
• Enhanced access to psychiatric care by collaborating with key stakeholders on SB 1624.
• Bolstered telemedicine capabilities with the support of HB 617.
• Achieved improved workplace safety standards with the passage of SB 240 & SB 840.
• Pushed back against insurance plans to improve network adequacy standards with the passage of HB 3359.
• Continued our commitment to the physician’s ability to safely provide comprehensive healthcare for their patients with support for an affirmative defense in the management of specific pregnancy related complications through HB 3058.

TCEP hosted a successful Connect conference, marked by the debut of our Texas legislative day. During this event TCEP members learned about current legislative issues affecting their practice and engaged with their respective state senators and representatives, fostering meaningful dialogue and connections.

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Scope of Practice Expansion
2. Protection of Tort Law
3. Mental Health
4. Out of Network/Surprise Billing

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

UCEP hosted its annual Emergency Physician Summit in Salt Lake City, headlined by Dr. Scott Weingart of EM:RAP and EMCrit, and Dr. Christopher Kang, then-ACEP President, among other esteemed speakers. The event brought top-notch education and EM insights, along with free CME, to Utah’s emergency physicians. UCEP also sent five delegates to ACEP’s Leadership and Advocacy Conference to lobby the Utah legislators on Capitol Hill for decreased ED boarding, increased opiate use disorder resources, and maintaining current Medicare and Medicaid rates.

UCEP's jail clearance task force met with state law enforcement administrators and establish an improved process that eliminates the detailed forms emergency physicians were required to complete that made them liable for "clearing" a patient for jail and now allows emergency physicians to perform an MSE to determine if an arrested person has an emergency medical condition, just as with any patient.

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues
2. Scope of Practice Expansion
3. Opioid/Substance Abuse Response

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

Multiple chapter members have been involved in active advocacy to pass VT S.36 (Act 24), which relates to crimes against health care workers at hospitals and against emergency medical treatment professionals. This allows law enforcement to remove individuals who assault or engage in violent, tumultuous, or threatening behavior directed at emergency physicians with a warrantless arrest. Additionally, in October, the ACEP Council passed Resolution 27, “Addressing Interhospital Transfer Challenges for Rural EDs,” which was co-sponsored by Vermont ACEP.

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Scope of Practice Expansion
2. Boarding & Crowding
3. Out of Network/Surprise Billing

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

In 2023, the Virginia Chapter,

• Ended a state budget policy known as the “downcoding” provision that reduced 790 of the most common ED diagnoses to a Level 1 reimbursement of $15, costing Virginia ED groups millions annually. After years of VACEP advocacy, a federal judge ruled in favor of emergency physicians, saying the policy is not in accordance with federal law and the prudent layperson standard. ED groups are in the process of being reimbursed for downcoded visits.
• Passed legislation requiring off-duty police or security officers trained in de-escalation and restraint in every ED 24/7. The bill passed with bipartisan support and was the first of its kind in the nation.
• Prevented NPs from gaining the ability to practice independently with only two years of training.
• Passed a bill allowing paramedics to administer medications in an ED within their scope of training.
• Improved the process for emergency physicians to gain temporary medical detention orders, streamlining a bureaucratic process.

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Scope of Practice Expansion
2. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues
3. Mental Health

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

The chapter’s biggest accomplishment was holding a re-envisioned and revitalized Annual Meeting at Suncadia Resort. This new, family-friendly location proved to be a hit with attendees and was accompanied by increased registration and exciting speakers on topics ranging from reproductive care in the ED to rural health. Additionally, in the chapter’s efforts to reengage membership, a new Membership Committee was established with the goal to make sure the chapter is meeting the needs of its members and demonstrating value. As part of the chapter’s outreach campaign, chapter leaders are working to directly engage EDs across the state.

Legislatively, the chapter said goodbye to its lobbyist of many years and embarked on a new lobbying relationship with the Washington State Medical Society, an arrangement that will help facilitate the chapter’s access to legislators and increase its leverage on key issues. Through the generosity of its membership, WA ACEP supported two senior medical students going into EM to attend the ACEP Leadership and Advocacy Conference.

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Mental Health
2. Boarding & Crowding
3. Scope of Practice Expansion

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

The chapter’s Emergency Medicine Summit took place on September 7, 2023, at Stonewall Resort and approximately 25% of WVACEP's membership attended. WVACEP has had watchful eye on the state capital. The continuing concern of the state’s opioid epidemic is emerging from the shadows of COVID, along with other issues such as EMS coverage, payment and tort reform, sexual assault, child abuse, helmet use, and ATV use. More recently, topics such as issues of vaccine mandates and scope of practice are pushing to the forefront. WVACEP is at the table and actively involved in these important matters on behalf of its members.

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Boarding and Crowding
2. Mental Health
3. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues

Biggest Chapter Accomplishments in 2023

The Wisconsin Chapter continued to prioritize increasing the Medicaid reimbursement rates associated with emergency codes. Largely because of grassroots efforts by WI-ACEP members, another increase was approved to help bring Wisconsin more in line with other states. WI-ACEP continues to collaborate with state residency programs to present the Annual Wisconsin Emergency Medicine Research Forum. The chapter is focused on overall member engagement and increasing its support to those in more rural areas of the state.

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Scope of Practice Expansion
2. Boarding & Crowding
3. Reimbursement/Insurance Payer Issues

Chapter Goals in 2024

The Wyoming Chapter is using 2024 to begin re-engaging the WY ACEP chapter members and identifying the most pressing topics and membership needs within the state.

Top State Legislative Priorities for the Chapter in 2024

1. Mental Health
2. Scope of Practice Expansion
3. Nurse Staffing Ratios