2023 ACEP Council

by Erin Simmers Pearson, MD, FACEP

The 2023 ACEP Council was productive, and Nevada was again represented by four delegates who participated in lively debate on a variety of topics. Though opinions differed, the end goal of providing the best possible care for our patients remained unifying. Regarding one of our most vulnerable populations, resolutions were passed addressing concerns surrounding pediatric mental health boarding, pediatric cannabis exposure, and child-protective firearm storage. We listened to the challenges faced by rural Emergency Physicians, and resolutions were passed to facilitate EMTALA inter-facility transfers, and advocate for sufficient funding to attract and retain BC/BE Emergency Physicians at critical access hospitals. 

Personally, I was pleased to see a resolution adopted that advocates for an on-site and on-duty physician in all Emergency Departments. Over the past few years, we have watched states follow the trend of allowing independent practice for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants, chipping away at the safety net in place for our patients. In 2023, Indiana took a huge step forward for patient protection, and passed legislation that requires an on-site and on-duty physician in every Emergency Department in the state. The associated ACEP resolution is based on the successful Indiana bill, which is the first of its kind in the country, and should stand as a model for other states to follow. 

With overwhelming support, ACEP Council voted to adopt the current 2023 Position on Hyperactive Delirium, and to withdraw support of the 2009 White Paper Report on Excited Delirium Syndrome. The position statement clarifies that ACEP does not recognize the use of the term “excited delirium” in clinical settings. Discussion centered around how the 2009 White Paper had been used in legal proceedings to defend actions that caused harm to patients in the pre-hospital setting. The newly adopted 2023 position statement focuses on the importance of recognizing hyperactive delirium with severe agitation, and reaffirms the value of education and training for first responders to ensure that these patients are safely transported to an Emergency Physician for care. 

In leadership news, Dr. Aisha Terry transitioned to the role of ACEP President, taking over from Dr. Chris Kang. The Nevada Chapter would like to thank Dr. Kang for his service to the college, and we look forward to working with Dr. Terry in the upcoming year. We would also like to congratulate Dr. Allison Haddock, who will take over the role of President-Elect.

Organized Medicine:

Getting Involved Locally

by Jacob Altholz, MD

UNLV School of Medicine Resident

Emergency medicine physicians, as many of us know, play a special role representing and advocating for the underserved within both the house of medicine and our communities. Our emergency departments create a significant portion of the safety net that catches the indigent, underinsured, or those with low health literacy. Because of this perspective, it is even more important that emergency medicine physicians are heard and represented within organized medicine, the major mechanism with which health policy and advocacy is conducted within our profession.

Like most other state, Nevada has a medical association with members from across the state and organized into many other smaller constituent organizations. The Nevada State Medical Association seeks to align the interests of doctors across specialties and ensure the best for our patients and each other. Within the state of Nevada, we have the Clark County Medical Society, Carson Douglas County Medical Society, and the Washoe County Medical Society with our very own John Hardwick MD as the Secretary/Treasurer of the latter.

Residents and medical student voices are also vital to these organizations, often having a dedicated position on their boards in order to ensure that physician education and the trainee voice is a priority.

Other organizations seek to align healthcare professionals across boundaries for specific causes, such as Nevada Clinicians for Climate Action, a group dedicated to reducing the impact of climate change on our health. Within each of our urban areas, medical directors also serve as vital connections to many groups that seek to improve the communities they serve, such as Harm Reduction Center and The LGBTQIA+ Center within Las Vegas.

While we always love and appreciate any involvement within Nevada ACEP, sometimes individuals wish to work a different angle or focus on an issue particularly important to their patients. Regardless, know there’s many places for physicians to use their skills as an advocate for the better of their community.