Correction 

Editor’s Note: Inconsistencies between the print and digital article, NEMPAC Spotlight: Emergency Physician Candidates in 2026(July 7, 2026) are now corrected. ACEP Now apologizes for any confusion over the intent to highlight emergency physicians in and running for Congress. 

ACEP Ensures New Trauma Guidelines Require a Physician in Every ED

New guidelines for Level IV trauma centers released by the American College of Surgeons-Committee on Trauma include a new requirement for 24/7/365 coverage by an emergency physician.

ACEP took a clear and definitive stand on this foundational issue and established a collaborative dialogue with the American College of Surgeons (ACS) to advocate that ALL emergency departments be staffed by a physician.

“We made it clear that ALL patients, regardless of whether you’re cared for in a Level I academic urban trauma center or a Level IV rural one, deserve to have an emergency physician taking care of them,” said ACEP President L. Anthony Cirillo, MD, FACEP.

The ACS guidelines evolved as ACEP reinforced that there is no substitute for emergency physician training and expertise.

Hear more from Dr. Cirillo in the latest ACEP News Alert.

ACEP’s GEDA Program Wins 2026 ASAE Power of Associations Summit Award

ACEP’s Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA) program is being recognized with a prestigious 2026 ASAE Power of Associations Summit Award.

GEDA transforms and improves emergency care for older adults by setting and raising standards for emergency departments around the country.

“We are honored that GEDA is gaining national recognition,” said ACEP President L. Anthony Cirillo, MD, FACEP. “Emergency physician-led initiatives are saving lives every day. ACEP accreditation is just one way ACEP is driving meaningful change in emergency care, whether for older patients, clinical ultrasound, pain and addiction care, or other areas.”

The ASAE Power of Associations Awards recognize associations that leverage their ability to convene stakeholders, inspire collaboration, and drive meaningful change.

Recently accredited GEDA facilities shared perspectives on the value of the program:

“Older adults face unique vulnerabilities that demand a tailored, systematic approach to care,” said Michael Losak, MD, in an article from Stanford Medicine.

“This accreditation belongs to every physician, nurse, and staff member who put in the work to get us here. Their dedication to our older patients, day in and day out, is what made this possible,” said Kelly Dicks, MSN, RN, in news release from Baxter Health.

Learn more about GEDA.

Dive Deeper:

• Patients in the geriatric units had a 39 percent lower likelihood of hospital admission and a 38 percent reduction in mortality over 30 days.
• Geriatric emergency departments saved Medicare up to about $3,000 a visit.   

Read more: What Geriatric Emergency Departments Do Differently (The New York Times, July 25, 2026) *login may be required*