All Patients Deserve Care Led by a Physician in the Emergency Department
Why This Matters
Some hospitals are responding to resource constraints and staffing challenges by allowing nonphysicians—like physician assistants or nurse practitioners—to perform complex medical procedures without supervision. We believe that a physician should lead every emergency care team in the country. Physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) are integral and valued members of the care team. But they do not have the training or expertise of a physician. Regardless of where a patient lives, anyone who goes to the emergency department deserves access to the highest quality care delivered by physician-led teams.
National Leadership and Policy Support
American Medical Association (AMA)
“Our AMA supports that all Emergency Departments be staffed 24-7 by a qualified physician.” AMA 2024
American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)
“ACEP believes that a physician should lead every emergency care team in the country.” ACEP 2025
Medical Association of the State of Alabama (MASA)
“A physician should be present on site 24/7 in all emergency departments.” 2025 Annual Meeting Resolution