VACEP calls on medical groups to explore federal coronavirus Acts versus cutting salaries and benefits
We are in the midst of a global pandemic and have learned that some physician staffing groups have chosen to cut salaries and benefits to our frontline workers. These actions are unacceptable and unnecessary, and VACEP condemns any such actions, given that considerable relief is available through recent federal legislation.
As emergency physicians, we appreciate the public listening to the advice of medical experts and staying away from ERs unless there is a true emergency. And indeed, as economic activity and transportation has slowed, so too have visits to some emergency departments in some regions. But there is still a great need for healthcare providers in America.
Based on lessons learned elsewhere, this is very likely the “calm before the storm” of critically ill patients entering hospitals with COVID-19 symptoms. Who will be there waiting to save those lives? Emergency physicians are critical to hospital, regional, and state clinical coordination response for when the storm hits.
While we understand the economic challenges all organizations face at this time, medical staffing groups, like many other businesses in the U.S., now have access to federal support through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act as well as payroll relief and paycheck protection through the CARES Act. Specifically, the Paycheck Protection Program and Medicare Accelerate and Advance Payment Program provide considerable free or low-interest options to support keeping workers employed and paid.
VACEP calls on all medical groups to explore these alternative solutions first before pursuing actions that benefit their bottom line at the expense of the livelihoods of physicians and healthcare providers and the emergency medicine safety net. We cannot afford to jeopardize the health of our patients during this pandemic by having understaffed emergency departments.
Scott Hickey, M.D., F.A.C.E.P.
President
Virginia College of Emergency Physicians
