Representation and Community of Practice:

• The Washington State Chapter, American College of Emergency Physicians is the leading voice of and advocate for emergency physicians in the state.

• The organization is widely recognized as the voice of emergency medicine and engages in frequent communications with the general public, key interest groups and the press about the roles of and value of emergency medicine in the health care delivery system.

• WA/ACEP members represent 80% of the eligible emergency physicians in the state and benefit from open communications with other non-member emergency physicians and related professionals (e.g. nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants and mid-level practitioners).

• The organization has the support and participation of large group practices as well as smaller groups and individual practitioners.

• Members are linked to each other through a responsive, interactive electronic communications network and frequently utilize it to obtain specific information and engage in dialogue with colleagues.

• Members have opportunities to meet and interact in person through activities of the organization.

• Members utilize the resources of WA/ACEP in developing their career path and feel the organization delivers excellent value for their dues investment.

• WA/ACEP is the leading provider of professional education for emergency care in the State.

• All patients have benefited from improved access and quality of care as a result of our efforts.

• The organization has an effective public policy advocacy program that has a record of favorably influencing the climate in which our members practice.

• Our members are actively involved at the grassroots level and the organization is engaged in inter-specialty dialogue and coalitions with other health-care related groups (e.g. Washington State Hospital Association).

• WA/ACEP is led by an energetic, engaged Board.

• The organization has a structure that provides opportunities for members to participate in governance activities and help shape the future of the profession.

• It is financially strong, well managed and utilizes an outcomes-focused process for decision-making.

• WA/ACEP plays an active role in national affairs through participation in the American College of Emergency Physicians. Our members hold officer and committee leadership positions and often lead the discussion of issues for the profession.

A. Identify potential members and set realistic goals and strategies for membership growth.

B. Create a climate that welcomes and assimilates new members.

C. Create a system of communication with the media.

D. Develop a member-to-member communications system and process.

E. Function as a clearinghouse for information to filter and personalize information distributed to members and colleagues.

A. Survey emergency physicians regarding their educational and career development needs in a systematic, ongoing process.

B. Prioritize member needs and develop a system for creating or securing resources that are responsive.

C. Create metrics to track quality of care in emergency medicine for Washington State.

D. Serve as a strong and effective advocate for certification.

A. Develop a process whereby we identify one member from each federal and state district to develop a relationship with their legislators and educate them about issues of importance to the profession.

B. Partner with Washington State Medical Association and the Washington State Hospital Association to identify issues pertaining to emergency medicine and work with them on these specific issues.

C. Develop a professional/grassroots lobbying strategy to track relevant issues and assist in achieving favorable results.

D. Utilize ACEP’s national resources in developing political advocacy strategies.

E. Identify other issue-specific partners and coalitions with whom to work.

A. Activate and support a structure and process that is designed to address specific goals.

B. Utilize existing technology to increase communications flow and member participation.

C. Employ a knowledge-based decision-making and planning process for governance.

D. Maintain a close working partnership with ACEP.

E. Assure statewide geographical representation in the governance structure.

F. Manage the finances of the organization to assure value and protection of the members’ assets.

G. Utilize the available resources of WSMA for effective and efficient management.