To ensure adequate emergency department resources, I will advocate for national standards regarding:

• required equipment for emergency procedures and care,
• adequate staffing,
• responsive specialty support, and
• timely access to radiology, pharmacy, social work, and case management.

The second pressing issue is the financial sustainability of emergency medicine. ACEP’s RAND study confirms decreasing reimbursement from both commercial and government payers. This is compounded by the growing number of payment denials and a disproportionate amount of uncompensated care. I have the expertise to help ACEP secure funding for emergency care and address payment erosion. I have successfully supported litigation, regulatory reform, and legislation to protect emergency physician compensation. I will bring this experience to the Board to continue fighting for the financial viability of our specialty.

COUNCIL SPEAKER

The candidate for ACEP Council Speaker responded to this prompt:

How do you balance free and open debate versus

meeting efficiency?

Michael J. McCrea, MD, FACEP

Current Professional Positions: Attending Physician and Residency Core Faculty, Mercy Emergency Care Services, TeamHealth; Simulation Director, TeamHealth Northeast Group

Internships and Residency: Emergency Medicine Residency, The Ohio State University Medical Center (2007)

Medical Degree: MD, Medical College of Ohio at Toledo (2004)

Response: Balancing debate while running an efficient meeting is perhaps the most important duty of the presiding officer.

As your current Council Vice Speaker, a two-term Chapter President, and former Chair of multiple committees and task forces, I am known for fostering an environment in which all voices have the chance to be heard while staying on schedule. Although it may seem counterintuitive, it is by ensuring balanced debate that the Speaker maintains control of the agenda and presides over an efficient meeting. Maintaining the equilibrium of the principle of majority rule versus the rights of the minority or any member to speak is at the forefront of my mind while at the podium monitoring debate.

For example, if only those in support of a resolution have spoken, it is the Speaker’s duty to actively inquire if there are any who wish to speak in opposition. If not, further testimony supporting the resolution may not be needed and the assembly can proceed directly to a vote and efficiently move on to the next item of business. Similarly, if balanced testimony from both sides of the issue has been heard, although it may be appropriate to proceed to a vote, the Speaker should sense the desire from the Council to hear additional testimony.