Newsletters

POSTED: March 23rd, 2026
POSTED IN: 2026 EM Pulse Q1, EM Pulse - The Official Newsletter of MOCEP, forum, Forum Topic,

Written by: Jonathan Heidt, MD, MHA, FACEP

Emergency medicine in Missouri is facing important challenges that will shape the future of how we practice and how emergency departments are staffed. Decisions being made in Jefferson City right now directly affect our patients, our departments, and our profession.

The Missouri Emergency Medicine Political Action Committee (MO-EMPAC) exists to ensure that emergency physicians have a voice at the Capitol. Our ability to influence policy depends on the support and engagement of physicians like you.

This year, we are actively working on several critical issues:

Protecting physician staffing in the emergency department.

Emergency departments care for the sickest and most complex patients. We are advocating for policies that ensure appropriate physician leadership and staffing to maintain the highest standard of emergency care.

Defending appropriate scope of practice.

Legislation continues to be introduced that expands independent practice of non-physician providers without equivalent training. MOCEP is committed to protecting physician-led care teams and ensuring that patient safety remains the priority.

Addressing workplace violence.

Violence against healthcare workers—especially in emergency departments—is increasing. We are advocating for stronger protections and accountability to ensure a safer workplace for physicians and our care teams.

Advocacy matters. Relationships with legislators matter. Those relationships are built through political engagement.

The MO-EMPAC allows emergency physicians to support leaders who understand emergency medicine and who will stand with us on these critical issues.

Please consider making a contribution to the MOCEP PAC today.

Your donation—whether $100, $250, $500, or more—helps ensure that emergency physicians have a strong and credible voice in Missouri policy decisions.

If we want emergency medicine to remain physician-led and patient-centered, we must stay engaged in Jefferson City.

How You Can Help

MO-EMPAC relies entirely on voluntary contributions.  In fact, only MOCEP members can contribute.  Even small donations help build the relationships and advocacy capacity necessary to shape sound healthcare policy in Missouri.

If you believe that emergency physicians should have a seat at the table—and that patient-centered emergency care deserves strong representation—please consider making a contribution. Your support directly strengthens the future of emergency medicine in Missouri.

Make a contribution today.

Thank you for your commitment to our specialty and for supporting the work of MOCEP.