“NYACEP is extremely proud to advocate for this legislation, which is an enormous win for emergency medicine. Aligning with like-minded constituents strengthened our voice and helped us fight for emergency medicine and the patients we serve.

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ACEP Now: February 2026 (Digital)

We still have more work to do. This is just the first of many steps needed to address workplace violence so emergency departments can be safe for faculty, staff, and patients.”

—Penelope Chun Lema, MD, FACEP, NYACEP President-Elect

The law passed due to coordinated advocacy efforts led by NYACEP. For more than three years, NYACEP worked with legislators in support of the bill, including providing input on key provisions. Nurses throughout the state, including the New York State Emergency Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association of New York, aligned with NYACEP’s efforts, and more than 70 emergency departments across the state endorsed the legislation through the NYACEP Workplace Violence Prevention Alliance.

The law is the latest in a series of victories that ACEP and ACEP chapters have spearheaded to confront the crisis of workplace violence in emergency departments. Most recently, ACEP convened a national coalition to urge CMS to issue clear guidance on anti-violence ED signage. ACEP is proud to lead the fight for protections for every member of emergency care teams nationwide.

Key ACEP Wins in 2026 HHS Funding

Congress approved funding for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that delivers major support for ACEP-led priorities, including:

• Reauthorization through 2030 of the Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, landmark legislation that ACEP championed and helped write to support physician mental health and prevent burnout and suicide.
• Workforce and care delivery support, including telehealth flexibilities extended through 2027 and No Surprises Act implementation funding.
• Enhanced patient access, with continued support for the ACEP-developed Alternatives to Opioids (ALTO) program, emergency medical services for children, and other key services.
• CDC and NIH funding to bolster preparedness and prevention efforts.

These wins are the direct result of years of ACEP advocacy. Bipartisan support for ACEP priorities will strengthen public health, shore up the emergency medical workforce, and improve access to emergency care. Learn more.

ACEP Leadership & Recognition Opportunities Now Open

ACEP members have opportunities to get involved and recognize outstanding leaders in emergency medicine.

• ACEP Board of Directors: The ACEP Nominating Committee is accepting nominations for the national ACEP Board of Directors. Nominations are due March 16, 2026. Learn more.
• ACEP Committees: The selection process for national ACEP committees has begun, and all ACEP and EMRA members are encouraged to apply. Committee interest must be submitted by May 4, 2026. Learn more.
• ACEP Awards: Submit your nomination by March 16, 2026, to honor leadership, excellence, and professional contributions across the emergency medicine community. Learn more.
• ACEP Council Awards: Recognize the leaders shaping emergency medicine through the ACEP Council. Submit your nomination by March 16, 2026. Learn more.

Study Reveals Serious Stroke After ED Discharge for Dizziness is Rare

Diagnosing stroke in emergency department patients who present with dizziness as their primary symptom can be challenging, but a new study found that it is very uncommon for patients discharged from the emergency department for dizziness to have a subsequent stroke.