ACEP and Oregon ACEP (OR-ACEP) are working together to defend physicians in Oregon, issuing statements Wednesday night (March 18, 2026) about an evolving ED staffing situation.

PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center announced an end to their relationship with Eugene Emergency Services (EEP) for emergency department staffing. The planned transition to an out-of-state staffing group has drawn the attention of the Oregon state legislature and the broader community.

ACEP said:

“ACEP remains steadfast in our support of emergency physicians as stated in our Corporate Practice of Medicine policy which was in June 2023. That policy affirms that the physician-patient relationship is the moral center of medicine. The integrity of this relationship must never be compromised.”

OR-ACEP said:

“Our message has been clear and consistent: Emergency departments are the cornerstone of the health safety net. Stability in physician staffing, clear lines of clinical authority and adherence to Oregon law are essential to assuring patients continue to receive high-quality emergency care.”

ACEP and OR-ACEP will continue supporting impacted emergency physicians as the situation evolves.

Read the full statements from ACEP and OR-ACEP here.