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TCEP Working for Emergency Physicians During COVID-19 Pandemic

While TCEP members are dealing with the pandemic on the front lines, TCEP staff, our lobbyists and members have been hard at work behind the scenes to assist.

Here are a few things we have been working on:

Personal Protective Equipment

  • Letters were written to Governor Abbott about the PPE shortage for emergency physicians and staff. While they understand our concerns, the problem of getting PPE is a worldwide issue.  The Texas Regional Assistance Councils (8 in Texas) have been activated and the priority for any PPE is to hospitals, emergency centers, and cities (EMS, police, fire dept).
  • Serve on TMA initiated PPE task force with Dr. Robert Greenberg concerning RAC distribution of PPE.  Dr. Greenberg is the Chair of GETAC and has been instrumental in working with stakeholders and RAC’s about PPE.
  • TCEP Initiated a drive for donated PPE with the construction associations in San Antonio, and then helped coordinate a mask donation drive with TMA county medical societies around the state.
  • Financial reimbursement – letters were written to Insurance Commissioner about payment for transfers from one hospital to another for COVID patients.

Financial Support

  • Letter sent to Secretary Anzar, US Department of Health & Human Services,asking that emergency physician groups be prioritized for CARES funding.

Partnerships and Communication

  • Daily coordination with TMA, ACEP and other organizations to share activities and gather information for website and outreach. Staff participates in daily briefing calls with TMA and other stakeholders and provide daily updates to key TCEP and ACEP leaders.
  • Our lobby firm (Imperium) is monitoring all public policy efforts by relevant state agencies and executive/legislative leaders and providing daily updates via e-mail and hardcopy memo.
  • Lobbyists interacting with key officials (Governor, Lt. Governor, key legislative offices, TDEM, TMB, HHSC, etc.) on behalf of TCEP regarding COVID-19 response.
  • Supported TAPA with letter to Governor on liability protection. (more here)TCEP joined other major healthcare and tort reform organizations, including TMA, THA, Texas Alliance for Patient Access, Texans for Lawsuit Reform and The Texas Civil Justice League in requesting Governor Abbott to ensure providers were protected for making medically sound and potentially lifesaving decisions during this COVID-19 pandemic. These groups joined TCEP in asking the Governor, when necessary, to limit our members exposure to frivolous and opportunistic litigation stemming from our delivery of care during these difficult times.
  • Developed key messages on behalf of TCEP regarding impacts of personal protective equipment (PPE) shortage, medical board regulations, med-malpractice lawsuit liability, state regulatory limitations on migration of first responders in and out of the state, etc.
  • Interviews with media being held. Members have been on national TV, NPR, local and national radio, as well as national news.
  • Staff participates in weekly phone calls with Executive Directors of other ACEP chapters as well as bi-monthly Chapter leadership calls. Information shared with leadership.
  • TCEP staff posting on social media on daily basis via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
  • TCEP website updated daily with information and resources from ACEP, TMA and other sources.
  • Staff worked with two RV organizations to inform members about donated RV’s available.