As we close out 2025, ACEP’s chapters shared news from the year and previewed what is to come in 2026. Chapters reported advocacy efforts, educational programming, community-building initiatives, and continued support for their members on a variety of practice and policy issues.

Alabama         

The Alabama Chapter of ACEP passed a resolution at the Medical Association of the State of Alabama House of Delegates affirming their belief that a physician should be onsite in all hospitals with an emergency department (ED) at all times.

Arizona            

AzCEP supported its members by providing several opportunities to be involved beyond clinical shifts, including its ED Doc Day at the Capitol event, a full-day CME Scientific Assembly that incorporated a research poster symposium, SIMWars competition, and Emergency Medicine Opioid Summit to earn opioid hours.

Arkansas

Arkansas ACEP hosted a CME event in Fayetteville featuring an Ultrasound Workshop supported by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The chapter continued to actively strengthen its advocacy efforts statewide, working closely with national ACEP and the Arkansas Medical Society to advance emergency medicine and support its members.

California

Many chapter-sponsored and -supported pieces of legislation improving the practice environment and patient care were signed into law. Notable bills include AB 416, which allows all emergency physicians to apply to write and release psychiatric holds; SB 351, which prevents private equity groups and hedge funds from interfering with clinical decision-making; and AB 447, which allows emergency physicians to give patients the remaining doses of medications like ointments, inhalers, and pre-mixed antibiotics that had already been started in the ED and would otherwise be thrown away.

Colorado

Colorado ACEP engaged again with Coloradans Protecting Patient Access (CPPA), a coalition of health care organizations, to support a commonsense renewal of the state’s Medical Practice Act, which sunsets in 2026. The aim is to protect patient safety by maintaining protection for peer-review and scope-of-practice standards.

Connecticut

Connecticut ACEP (CCEP) activated a dashboard on the chapter website that includes boarding data from hospitals across the state. The data will be updated annually with information provided to the State Legislature. CCEP also participated in a hospital discharge working group to find solutions to mitigate ED boarding. CCEP is proud to have Daniel Freess, MD, elected to serve on the ACEP Board of Directors. 

District of Columbia

DC ACEP had a vibrant Annual Meeting focused on chapter goals, launched a mentorship program connecting physicians with motivated medical students, and hosted a fun bowling event — complete with DC ACEP socks! Looking ahead, the chapter is expanding community-building efforts and planning CME opportunities next spring to support members and strengthen engagement.

Florida             

FCEP advocated to protect physician-led care and timely, patient-centered prescribing in emergencies while preserving physician judgment; advanced efforts to expand the Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education program to include emergency physicians serving in rural hospitals; and launched the Florida Resuscitation Centers of Excellence program to improve cardiac arrest outcomes statewide.

Georgia

The Georgia Chapter’s educational programming drew great turnout, with its Advocacy and Leadership Conference securing nearly 20 state legislators in attendance. The Rural Emergency Medical Practice Conference in Augusta had more than 175 registrants. GCEP Immediate Past President, Brett Cannon, MD, FACEP, represented the house of medicine in a successful push for tort reform, signed by Gov. Brian Kemp this spring.

Government Services

In 2025, GSACEP advanced education, advocacy, and collaboration for federal service emergency physicians, expanding virtual learning, strengthening representation across Department of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Health Administration (VA) systems, and enhancing member engagement and support amid evolving administrative changes. Looking ahead, the Government Services Symposium will be held March 18-20, 2026, in Norfolk, Va., featuring dedicated programming for DoD, VA, and all federal service emergency physicians.

Hawaii

Hawaii ACEP hosted their 2025 Annual Meeting in April. The chapter continues to support the End Meth Summit and is planning a CME Conference in 2026 that is open to all ACEP members.

Illinois

ICEP strengthened its advocacy efforts in 2025 with introduction of the Workplace Violence Bill and involvement with coalition groups studying hospital workplace staffing issues. ICEP is exploring the establishment of an advocacy fund to support its legislative and regulatory efforts.

Indiana            

Indiana ACEP continues to advocate for the in-person presence of a physician in all EDs nationwide, and ACEP Council has reaffirmed its support for this initiative. In addition, efforts are ongoing to curb automatic downcoding of emergency visit reimbursement by Medicaid statewide.

Iowa

The chapter strengthened advocacy, education, and member connection by engaging medical student leaders, hosting a joint residency event on AI in emergency medicine, and bringing members together statewide for the Annual Meeting in Coralville and reception at ACEP25. They continued building relationships with legislators, resulting in co-sponsorship of the Dr. Lorna Breen Act by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Rep. Zachary Nunn.

Kentucky

In 2025, Kentucky ACEP continued to prioritize patient quality of care by working closely with state leadership to ensure that every ED in Kentucky has a physician present, reflecting its belief that physician-led emergency medicine is essential to patient safety and outcomes. Kentucky ACEP also partnered with National ACEP to advocate for fair and sustainable reimbursement, addressing critical challenges affecting access to emergency care across the state. In addition to these advocacy efforts, the annual Battle of the Bluegrass continued to foster collaboration and excellence among Kentucky’s EM residency programs, accompanied by a vibrant medical student research forum that highlighted innovation and the future of our specialty.

Louisiana

The Louisiana American College of Emergency Physicians hosted two CME events, the spring Education Conference and CME Crawl 2025 in New Orleans, offering dynamic sessions for members and boosting educational engagement. The chapter also strengthened its advocacy footprint by appointing its executive board representative to the Louisiana Emergency Response Network, and the Board of Directors hosted their first retreat for strategic planning and committee development.

Maine

In 2025, Maine ACEP strengthened leadership through monthly meetings and launched a strategic membership initiative. The chapter co-hosted a Maine reception at ACEP25 and hosted a successful, standalone Leadership Summit in September featuring nationally recognized speakers and statewide collaboration to advance emergency care.

Maryland

In 2025, Maryland ACEP drove advocacy forward with statewide town halls on legislative updates, the General Assembly, the Future of Emergency Medicine, and its Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design model, and brought members together at the March Educational Conference. Together, these efforts strengthened physician engagement, delivered meaningful education, and reinforced the chapter’s commitment to members and patients.

Massachusetts

In May 2025, the Massachusetts Chapter successfully hosted its Annual Educational Conference and Meeting, welcoming 125 attendees. The Chapter remains actively engaged in advocating for workplace violence prevention legislation and is optimistic about its passage during the current legislative session.

Michigan

Beginning late last year, MCEP helped prevent a crisis that would have significantly impacted the practice of emergency medicine and all health care in Michigan. A proposed bill sought to substantially increase the caps for non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, which would have led to higher liability insurance costs, reduced access to care, and increased health care costs across the state. Other ongoing advocacy efforts include conversations about increases in Medicaid reimbursement with the state’s Medical Services Administration/Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, as well as additional protections against workplace violence for health care workers in the ED.

Mississippi

This year, Mississippi ACEP represented members and patients at the Leadership and Advocacy Conference (LAC), meeting with legislators, including a face-to-face with U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith. (R–Miss.) The chapter continues to work on legislative goals, actively recruit new leaders, and is redirecting its mission to involve and engage its members. An effort by nurse practitioners for independent practice was defeated in the state’s legislature, and the chapter is committed to continuing that advocacy effort.

Missouri

MOCEP has worked to revamp the Missouri Chapter awards program to enhance recognition efforts. The chapter is preparing for the 2026 Missouri Emergency Medicine Symposium planned for May 29, 2026, which will include interactive sessions and add a student-focused track. Also ahead in 2026, MOCEP’s Advocacy Day will drive impactful advocacy initiatives.

Montana

Montana ACEP continued to grow, reaching more than 100 members in 2025. The chapter continued to support students interested in emergency medicine at Rocky Vista University. In partnership with Idaho ACEP, the chapter will expand the Northwestern Ski Symposium to a two-day conference in 2026.

Nebraska

Nebraska ACEP continued to grow and strengthen its presence across the state. The chapter hosted a well-attended Annual Meeting, took part in the Nebraska Medical Association’s Advocacy Breakfast to engage directly with state legislators, and remained an active voice for emergency medicine throughout the legislative session.

Nevada

Nevada ACEP kicked off 2025 with a dinner event in Las Vegas for ACEP members and non-members, welcoming all residents and medical students. The chapter successfully recruited a physician from Las Vegas who represented Nevada at the ACEP25 Council and is now interested in joining the Nevada ACEP Board of Directors. Looking ahead to 2026, goals include organizing a board retreat and improving the frequency and quality of chapter newsletters to boost engagement and encourage greater involvement in ACEP activities.

New Hampshire        

As a member benefit, NHACEP hosted a ski day, a cruise on Lake Sunapee, and dinner meetings in Hanover and Concord. The chapter also sent two Councilors and an Alternate Councilor to ACEP25 to represent NHACEP and its members.

New Jersey

The chapter held its largest ever Scientific Assembly in 2025 with more than 350 attendees. NJACEP also had several advocacy wins. NJACEP continues to be one of the loudest voices in Trenton speaking to the value of physician-led, team-based care, especially in the ED.

New Mexico

At the 2025 ACEP Council meeting, NM ACEP submitted an emergency resolution urging ACEP to endorse evidence-based vaccine schedules, informing ACEP’s public statement and policy efforts. At the state level, the chapter joined forces with medical societies in New Mexico to advance legislative efforts that strengthen emergency medicine and public safety including malpractice reform, Medicaid funding, and scope of practice.

New York

New York ACEP advanced advocacy efforts through strategic partnerships and direct engagement. The chapter expanded the Workplace Violence Prevention Alliance to more than 70 EDs, secured passage of the Workplace Violence Prevention Bill, engaged the New York State Department of Health on key issues, and returned to Albany for an impactful, in-person Lobby Day addressing workplace violence, scope of practice, and reimbursement.

North Carolina

The North Carolina Chapter worked on Medicaid in 2025, educating legislators about the importance of Medicaid and the exponential impact of reimbursement cuts on EDs. The chapter also celebrated a big win when the NC Court of Appeals denied a constitutional challenge to hard-fought caps on medical malpractice damage awards.

Ohio   

Ohio ACEP celebrated the signing of HB 452 preventing hospital violence, and the Senate’s passage of the Naloxone Bill (HB57). The chapter continues to advocate for physician-led care and a stronger prudent layperson standard. A record-breaking Residents’ Assembly attendance and strong educational programs highlighted another successful year as the chapter launched a Certifying Exam Prep Course.

Oregon

In 2025, OCEP secured key legislative wins to limit private equity in medicine, reduce non-competes, prevent violence against health care workers, and ease ED gridlock. In 2026, OCEP plans to fight Medicaid cuts, work to ease ED boarding, support workplace violence prevention, advocate fair reimbursement, and oppose AI-driven denials. OCEP plans to continue discussing these efforts at the 42nd Annual Winter Conference in Sunriver, February 2-4.

Pennsylvania

Emerging from a period of loss and change made PACEP stronger. This year saw record attendance at PACEP’s Annual Scientific Assembly, a strong ACEP Council performance, numerous members receiving national awards, and state advocacy progress including contributing to key legislation, collaborating with the Department of Health on ED overcrowding, and holding the chapter’s first Hill Day at the state Capitol.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico ACEP hosted its Stroke Summit in December, bringing together clinicians, EMS leaders, administrators, and government partners to advance equitable stroke care. The event fostered productive collaboration and strengthened momentum toward coordinated, sustainable strategies to improve stroke outcomes across Puerto Rico.

Rhode Island

RI ACEP, in collaboration with the Rhode Island Medical Society, helped secure key wins for emergency physicians in 2025, including passage of prior authorization reform eliminating delays for primary care-ordered services, Medicaid rate increases up to 100 percent of Medicare, and protections for clinician wellness through the Clinician Wellness and Support Act. The chapter also continued advocacy on malpractice reform and efforts to address ED boarding and workforce shortages statewide.

South Carolina

The South Carolina chapter was successful in introducing and passing legislation requiring EDs to have a physician present at all times, becoming the third state in the nation to pass this type of law. Board members and Councilors represented SC ACEP members at LAC, at the ACEP25 Council, and in meetings with federal lawmakers. Looking forward, the chapter is working with legislators to enhance penalties for workplace violence against health care workers.

South Dakota

The chapter has been meeting and working to bring back the educational conference for emergency physicians and members of the emergency care team in South Dakota.

Tennessee

TNCEP defended physicians’ right to practice at the top of their certification without added red tape — prioritizing pediatric emergency resources over redundant pediatric advanced life support merit badges. The chapter also provided workforce input to the Tennessee Department of Health under Public Chapter 213. Looking ahead, the chapter will host TNCEP Education Day in Nashville on March 5, 2026, featuring a stellar lineup of speakers from across the country.

Texas

TCEP actively advocated during the 89th Texas Legislature to ensure safe, effective, and patient-centered emergency care. Mental health reforms remained a top priority, as did streamlining emergency detentions and successfully defending the cap on non-economic damages in liability cases. Looking ahead to the 90th Legislative Session, ongoing member engagement is essential to navigate Texas’ ever-changing legislative landscape.

Utah

The chapter held its annual UCEP Summit in April 2025, hearing from several notable emergency physicians on a variety of topics. For the first time, the chapter welcomed the ACEP Council and Scientific Assembly to Salt Lake City.

Vermont

Vermont ACEP focused on partnering with Vermont’s Emergency Nurses Association on advocacy efforts and working more collaboratively between emergency physicians and emergency nurses.

Virginia

VACEP maintains a fund called the Statewide Action Trust (STAT), enabling investment in lobbying, legal resources, and public relations support for its causes. With STAT resources, the chapter won some battles and gained compromises on others.

Washington

Washington ACEP hosted a successful Summit to Sound Conference in the spring and an inaugural regional event in the fall to drive member engagement. Advocacy was a top priority: advancing a statewide emergency cardiac and stroke response system, strengthening system capacity and workforce, opposing inappropriate scope expansions, and increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates. The chapter is planning a Leadership Summit in Seattle in April 2026.

West Virginia

WVACEP’s annual Emergency Medicine Summit took place on October 2, 2025. WVACEP celebrated their 50th anniversary of advancing emergency care in West Virginia on October 3, 2025. ACEP President L. Anthony Cirillo, MD, FACEP, was the keynote speaker for the celebration.

Wisconsin     

In 2025, WI-ACEP advanced Medicaid reimbursement and physician staffing efforts, continued advocacy on scope of practice, hosted a Rural Procedure Day to educate members of rural emergency care teams, and, with state residencies, hosted the Wisconsin Emergency Medicine Research Forum, strengthening member engagement and EM education statewide.

Updates were not available from AK, DE, ID, KS, MN, ND, OK, and WY.