Protecting clinical autonomy empowers emergency physicians to always be able to put patients first. That is why ACEP continues to fight for the bipartisan, bicameral ‘Physician and Patient Safety Act’ to guarantee due process rights for all physicians, ensuring that no physicians are unjustly silenced by their employer when they see a need to advocate for patient safety.
This legislation addresses a major ACEP concern and member priority -- due process rights are not currently guaranteed to physicians who are not directly employed by hospitals. It is unconscionable that any physician ever be put in a position to choose between their job and their patient. This legislation takes critical steps to protect both physicians and patients alike.
“Growing threats to physician autonomy are one of the most significant stressors facing emergency physicians today, and a lack of due process protections is a significant part of the problem,” said Alison J. Haddock, MD, FACEP, President of ACEP. “These essential protections ensure fairness and allow emergency physicians to fully advocate for our patients without fear of retaliation or termination.”
The legislation is also strongly supported by the Kansas chapter of ACEP.
“The Kansas Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians strongly supports the Physician and Patient Safety Act,” said Howard Chang, MD, immediate past president, Kansas Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians. “Physicians cannot care for patients without a guarantee of due process. Emergency physicians serve on the front lines of our health care system, often working under intense pressure and making critical decisions that directly affect patient lives. It is essential that they be able to advocate for patient safety, raise concerns about clinical operations, and exercise their professional judgment without fear of unjust or abrupt termination. The absence of due process protections puts both physicians and patients at risk—undermining trust, morale, and the overall quality of care.”
The Physician and Patient Safety Act is an essential, commonsense, and straightforward effort that guarantees due process and ensures that emergency physicians have the same rights on the job as other physicians in the hospital.
ACEP thanks Senators Marshall and Warren and Representatives Ruiz and Joyce for their continued leadership on this critical legislation.
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