Joint Statement from the American College of Emergency Physicians and Virginia College of Emergency Physicians on Due Process, Transparency, and Due Diligence in Emergency Medicine Contracting

Valley Health Winchester Medical Center, one of six sites employing EMBR emergency physicians.

Note: On April 2, Valley Health of Winchester announced it would conclude contracts with Emergency Medicine of Blue Ridge (EMBR) while a new partner, SCP Health, will assume emergency coverage of the health system’s six emergency departments as of September 30, 2026.

Many EMBR clinicians have cared for communities in the area for decades and played an important role in advancing Valley Health’s mission. As Valley Health leadership stated, the change is not a reflection of the quality of care or patient experience provided by EMBR, one of few independent emergency medicine employment groups in Virginia.

The Virginia College of Emergency Physicians (VACEP), in collaboration with the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), is issuing the following joint statement: 

VACEP and ACEP recognize the essential role that stable, well-structured partnerships between hospital systems and emergency medicine physician groups play in ensuring high-quality care for patients across the Commonwealth.

Emergency physicians serve on the front lines of the healthcare system, providing 24/7 access to care for all patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Because emergency departments are critical access points in the healthcare system, decisions about emergency medicine staffing contracts have significant implications for patient care, workforce stability, and community trust.

We understand that change happens, but when it does, we believe contract negotiations, renewals, and terminations between hospital systems and emergency medicine groups should be conducted with transparency, due diligence, and respect for due process.

Specifically, VACEP and ACEP support the following principles, many of which are addressed in existing ACEP policy:

1. Transparency in Contracting Processes

Hospital systems and physician groups should engage in transparent communication regarding contractual expectations, performance metrics, financial considerations, and operational goals. Transparency fosters trust and ensures that all parties understand the factors influencing contracting decisions.

2. Fair Notice and Due Process

Emergency medicine groups should be afforded reasonable notice and an opportunity to address concerns before contract termination or replacement decisions are finalized. ACEP policy calls for these protections at the individual physician level, recognizing the impact abrupt changes in staffing can have on clinical operations and the continuity of patient care.

3. Meaningful Due Diligence

Hospital systems considering changes in emergency department staffing should conduct thorough due diligence to evaluate the quality of care, patient outcomes, operational performance, workforce stability, and community impact. Decisions should prioritize patient care and system stability rather than purely financial considerations.

4. Protection of the Emergency Medicine Workforce

Emergency physicians and advanced practice providers deserve professional respect, clear communication, and fair treatment in contractual arrangements, including removal of non-compete clauses where they exist, per ACEP policy. Maintaining workforce stability is critical to sustaining high-quality emergency care.

5. Commitment to Patient-Centered Care

Above all, decisions affecting emergency department staffing should prioritize patient safety, quality of care, and reliable access to emergency services for all Virginians as established in ACEP’s policy that addresses corporate practice of medicine and supports physician-led care as the means to achieve these goals.

VACEP and ACEP remain committed to working collaboratively with hospitals, physician groups, policymakers, and community leaders to support emergency departments that are stable, transparent, and focused on delivering the highest standard of care.

MEDIA CONTACT
Jeff Kelley, for the Virginia College of Emergency Physicians
jeff@kelleyus.com | (804) 397-9700