ON THE ISSUES

Here’s a 101 on the top topics VACEP follows.

VACEP’s primary strength is advocating for the Commonwealth’s emergency physicians and their teams on the issues that matter. These are year-round issues that, at the start of every year, usually pop up in some form in Virginia’s General Assembly and can lead to changes in law and regulations. During the General Assembly, VACEP’s legislative team either supports or opposes bills that impact our specialty.

Workplace

The emergency department workplace faces myriad issues that can impact access, quality, and safety for both providers and patients. Workplace violence, boarding, and mental health are three concerns requiring immediate action. Read More.

Scope of Practice

VACEP believes in physician-led patient care, and that any practitioner who seeks to practice independently should be held to similar training standards as physicians. Learn more.

Reimbursement

The topic of reimbursement is not, as some critics incorrectly claim, about increasing doctor salaries. It is about the payments insurance companies and the government (Medicare/Medicaid) are contractually obligated to pay emergency departments for the services provided. Emergency physicians want to ensure fair reimbursement, which is reinvested into ER equipment, staff, and training. Rapidly declining reimbursements are a core reason for staffing challenges that we are all experiencing. Fair reimbursement equates to high quality of and access to patient care. Here’s more.

Additional EM Issues

VACEP also advocates for issues surrounding reproductive rights, Medicaid reimbursement, medical malpractice, and more. Read about those issues here.