02/13/2026
Rural emergency care is facing mounting pressure—from workforce shortages to reimbursement challenges—but advocacy is moving the conversation forward.
According to American College of Emergency Physicians, recent efforts are pushing for stronger support of rural emergency departments, improved access to care, and policies that recognize the unique realities of rural and freestanding ERs.
Sustainable emergency care—especially in rural communities—requires more than clinical excellence. It depends on fair reimbursement, operational stability, and continued advocacy at the federal level. Read More: https://www.acep.org/news/acep-newsroom-articles/1-26-26-acep-advocacy-advancing-rural-care
ACEP advocacy keeps delivering key wins for emergency medicine at the federal and state levels. The newest installment of our members-only Capitol Rounds webinar series keeps you current on advocacy wins, policy changes and important developments in DC and across the country.