Newsletters

POSTED: March 18th, 2024
POSTED IN: 2024 Quarter 1, Advocacy, EM Pulse - The Official Newsletter of MOCEP, Featured Advocacy,

President’s Letter

Celebrating Advocacy Day Success

The 2024 Advocacy Day was a resounding success! On February 28 we engaged in meaningful discussions about several critical issues, including:

• The Physicians in the Emergency Department bill
• Truth in Advertising, ensuring practitioners disclose their credentials to patients.
• Renewal of the Federal Reimbursement Allowance
• Implementing Peer Review for EMS workers
  
  

The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, with legislators expressing support for physicians leading care teams. Many were surprised to learn that not all EDs have a physician present.

Legislative Efforts and Progress

MOCEP played a pivotal role in drafting the language for the Physicians in the ED bill this year. On February 27, I, along with other St. Louis members, testified at the House: Professional Registration and Licensing hearing. Despite facing steady pushback from hospitals and the Missouri Hospital Association, we remain steadfast.

Understanding the legislative process, we recognize that new bills rarely pass in their first year. However, we are actively engaging with other organizations to find a balanced solution that prioritizes patient needs. Although immediate implementation of a physician in every emergency department by August is unlikely, we are committed to finding ongoing solutions to ensure Missourians receive the best care in Emergency Departments, if not this year, then in the future.

Get Ready for the Missouri Emergency Medicine Symposium!

Mark your calendars for April 5 in Independence, as the Missouri Emergency Medicine Symposium promises to be an eventful day! Highlights include:

• A hands-on Critical Skills Playground
• Interesting case presentations from residents
• An insightful talk on AI by Dr. Henry Pitzele, MD, FACEP, along with an ACEP update
• And much more!

Annual General Membership Meeting

During the Symposium, we will conduct our Annual General Membership Meeting where we will:

• Honor our annual award winners
• Witness the presidential transition from myself to Dr. Timothy Koboldt, MD
• Vote on the Board and Councilors
• Vote on recent bylaws changes

Don’t miss out – register soon to attend the Symposium!

A Heartfelt Farewell

As my tenure as MOCEP President comes to a close, I reflect on my journey with immense gratitude. Being part of MOCEP has been an honor, and serving as President has deepened my appreciation for the dedication of Emergency Physicians and our MOCEP Board. Thank you for the opportunity to lead such an outstanding organization.

Looking forward to seeing you at the Symposium!

Warm regards,

Brian Bausano, MD, MBA, FACEP
Your MOCEP President