Sandra Williams, DO, MPH, FACEP
TCEP President

President's Message

TCEP has had a very productive summer, despite the incredibly hot weather we have been having in Texas this year. We held our strategic planning meeting in Houston this past July. There we worked on ways to improve our communication with members throughout the year, starting with our annual report for the 2022-2023 year that you should have already received via the Engaged platform (and is included below in this newsletter).

Legislative Update

A new Texas law, House Bill 3058, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, addresses concerns and confusion among physicians regarding the state's abortion laws when treating pregnant women facing serious complications. The bill, proposed by Rep. Ann Johnson and Sen. Bryan Hughes, offers legal clarity regarding certain medical procedures used to treat potentially life-threatening pregnancy complications.

HB 3058 does not change the existing law that prohibits abortion in Texas. However, it introduces an exemption from civil and criminal liability under the trigger law for physicians who have exercised reasonable medical judgment while providing treatment for specific situations, including ectopic pregnancies and previable premature rupture of membranes.

The intent behind the legislation is to ensure pregnant women who are experiencing severe complications receive the necessary medical care in a timely manner. The bill establishes an "affirmative defense" for doctors, meaning they need to demonstrate that their judgment in providing such treatment was reasonable. The Texas Medical Board is also prohibited from taking disciplinary action in such cases. However, the bill does not provide defenses for Texas' "heartbeat bill," which enables private civil actions for abortions performed after the detection of a fetal heartbeat (usually around 6 weeks).

The law takes effect September 1, 2023.

Link to bill: https://legiscan.com/TX/text/HB3058/id/2820126

• Improve Social Media Communications
• Develop Resident Ambassador Program
• Implement Peer-to-Peer Outreach Network
• Provide Quarterly Updates to Members
• Distribute Annual Report

• Increase Legislative Communication to Members
• Explore Regional Receptions with Key Legislators
• Develop Advocacy Fund

• Increase Number of Residency Visits
• Establish TLAF Alumni Connections Program
• Create TLAF Mentor Program

• Add Fellow Category to Poster Competition
• Enhance Residency Programs
• Implement Young Physician Education
• Reimagine Residents Program at Connect

• Generate Non-dues Income
• Institute Job Board
• Create Young Physician Committee
• Onboard New Executive Director

Gottlieb is an industry leader in end-to-end Revenue Cycle Management and Practice Optimization solutions for hospital and independent physician groups, specializing in Emergency Medicine and Hospitalist practices. Gottlieb helps their clients navigate the complex healthcare landscape by designing innovative and technology-enabled services that simplify and improve the financial experience.

Twice a year, ACEP Now Editor Dr. Cedric Dark, speaks to the President of ACEP. This conversation with Christopher S. Kang, MD, FACEP, assesses how his term leading the College has gone so far, and how the profession is weathering the storms of boarding, burnout, and a challenging Match season.

Reprinted with permission from ACEP.

Emergency medicine claims typically involve diagnostic errors. In this case study, a patient was improperly triaged. When a claim was filed, TMLT quickly went to work and won a clear, decisive victory at trial.

Two TCEP members are vying for leadership positions on the ACEP Board of Directors.

Dr. Alison Haddock, MD, FACEP is currently serving on the Board and is running for President Elect.

Dr. Robert Hancock, DO, FACEP is running for one of the open Board positions.

The members of the ACEP Council vote on these positions in Philadelphia on October 8th.

Working a Rural Area?

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Congratulations, New Fellows!

Congratulations to the newest TCEP members to become a Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians (FACEP)!

Steven Blake Baker, MD, MPH, FACEP
Dallas, TX

(not pictured)
Jake Halvorsen, DO, FACEP
Helotes, TX

Hard Hats for Little Heads: Only 100 Free Helmets Remaining

Contribute to your community before supplies run out.

Hard Hats for Little Heads was established by the Texas Medical Association (TMA) in 1994 to encourage use of helmets to protect children during activities such as biking, skating, and riding scooters. TCEP has purchased helmets so that we can provide them at no cost to our members ...

Calendar of Events

2023 ACEP Council

ACEP23 Scientific Assembly

TCEP Connect 2024

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