#United States #Washington #Emergency Department #healthcare workers #ACEP

Introduction

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), alongside a coalition of healthcare organizations, has made a significant move to enhance the safety of healthcare workers in emergency departments (EDs). They have formally requested that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provide guidance related to the installation of signage intended to discourage violence against medical personnel. This call to action underlines the urgent need for improved protection measures in environments where clinicians face daily threats and aggression.

Addressing the Violence Against Healthcare Workers

"Every day, healthcare professionals risk their safety while performing their duties to save lives," stated Dr. L. Anthony Cirillo, President of ACEP. This statement encapsulates the heightened risks that emergency responders endure. The request for CMS to issue clear guidance on signage reflects a broader initiative aiming to cultivate safer care environments, not just for healthcare workers, but also for patients and visitors. Although CMS has previously indicated concerns that such signage might deter patients from seeking care, potentially breaching the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), these worries have not yet translated into defined guidelines. Without a standardized approach to signage, many hospitals remain hesitant to implement it, fearing regulatory repercussions.

Legislative Support and Broader Initiatives

The ACEP letter, sent on January 20, 2026, emphasizes that many healthcare facilities are already investing in extensive workplace violence prevention programs. However, one of the most fundamental aspects of deterrence—signage that promotes respectful interactions and outlines consequences for violent behavior—can often elude these workplaces. Thus, in their correspondence, ACEP and its coalition of healthcare representatives urged CMS to develop formal guidelines that would aid facilities in creating effective signage.

In a recent ACEP poll, it was found that 90% of emergency physicians have experienced threats or physical attacks during their careers. This statistic highlights the pressing nature of the issue, propelling ACEP towards a comprehensive, multi-year strategy to fortify protections for healthcare workers. Central to this campaign is the support for legislative measures, such as the bipartisan Save Healthcare Workers Act.

The Importance of Community Collaboration

ACEP's advocacy also includes the creation of a checklist designed for emergency physicians to engage hospital administrations in dialogues about maintaining a secure workplace environment. The initiative further captures personal accounts from frontline workers regarding their experiences with violence, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the reality faced in EDs. An important aspect of this advocacy is the establishment of accreditation criteria for emergency departments, ensuring that they address violence in their operational policies.

ACEP's collaboration with the Emergency Nurses Association through the No Silence on ED Violence campaign furthers their quest to shine a light on these distressing incidents and promote constructive conversations around safety.

ACEP's Ongoing Mission

Founded to represent the diverse interests of emergency medicine, ACEP not only functions to provide continuing education but also advocates for the myriad of healthcare practitioners it represents. With a membership of approximately 40,000 emergency physicians, and the care of more than 150 million patients annually, ACEP’s proactive measures aim to advance the standards of emergency care while ensuring the safety of its frontline workers.

For further details about ACEP's advocacy efforts, visit their official website at www.acep.org along with resources found at www.emergencyphysicians.org. This enduring mission echoes the urgent need to develop support systems for healthcare professionals in ever-evolving emergency environments, ensuring they can continue their crucial work without the fear of violence interrupting their commitment to care.