“We are known, we are respected, but that didn’t happen by accident,” said Dr. Arlo Weltge, a NEMPAC board member from Texas. “The change has been amazing in what ACEP has done to represent our interests.”

Annual member visits to Capitol Hill have helped with issue advocacy as well, he said. “They realize, based upon our contributions and our presence, that we are an important voice.”

Meanwhile, the dividends also pay off closer to home. ACEP was recently invited to comment at a hearing conducted by the Texas Medical Board.

“It means we’re on people’s radar screens,’’ Dr. Weltge said.

Each year, ACEP develops a legislative and regulatory agenda to advance issues critical to members. A candidates’ support of these priorities is a key factor in determining eligibility for a NEMPAC contribution. When the candidate is an incumbent, NEMPAC may also consider past support and co-sponsorship of ACEP legislation, as well as committee assignments, leadership positions, and the competitiveness of the race.

Candidates who have a history of working with ACEP and who have received past contributions from ACEP are also given consideration. And decisions about how members’ donations are allocated are not top-down. Input from state chapters, local officials, and members of the 911 Network is weighed as funds are spent. Whenever possible, financial donations to candidates are delivered by local members throughout the campaign season. The face time with local physicians helps drive the message home because it provides an opportunity to educate not only prospective officials but past allies. In 2012 alone, ACEP members attended nearly 100 fundraising events on behalf of NEMPAC.

In an ever-changing legislative arena, the ongoing contact is important because “you’re only as good as the last time you spoke to someone,’’ Dr. Jacoby said.

But NEMPAC does more than direct financial contributions. Officials say they are approached by both political candidates and physicians who want to meet and exchange information.

“We look at every donation from NEMPAC to a candidate as an opportunity to talk about emergency medicine,” said Jeanne L. Slade, Director of NEMPAC and Political Affairs.

Incumbent officeholders who’ve been allies in the past often come to rely heavily on NEMPAC’s expertise as upcoming legislative proposals are evaluated. And physicians are eager to have input when laws and regulations are still in the development stages. Without the opportunity to support sympathetic candidates, ACEP would have less clout as decisions are made in Washington, D.C.