Advocacy

Why is Advocacy Important?

Advocacy empowers you to influence policies that impact your profession and daily life. With less than 5% of state legislators having a healthcare background, your expertise as a medical professional is critical to sharing informed, effective legislation. Elected officials rely on the insights of their constituents, and your voice - especially on issues like emergency medicine and healthcare delivery - is both unique and valuable. If you’re not actively engaged, you risk having decisions made without your input. Getting involved helps ensure your interests and those of your patients are represented.
Although the Texas Legislature meets in regular session only once every two (2) years, legislators’ offices are open year-round and welcome constituent input.


Legislative Priorities

TCEP's key priorities for the 89th legislative session was on addressing critical issues impacting emergency medicine and advocating for priorities that strengthen care delivery.

Priorities:

  • Protecting the prudent layperson standard and EMTALA provisions
  • Supporting Tort Reform
  • Enhancing safety in emergency departments and safeguarding provider privacy
  • Secure funding for graduate medical education
  • Improve emergency detention processes

In addition to these priorities, TCEP actively monitored broader issues affecting the house of medicine including medical billing and economic trends, reproductive healthcare policies, vaccine-related legislation, and the corporate practice of medicine. TCEP remains committed to staying engaged in any developments that could impact healthcare delivery in Texas.


2025 Legislative Updates


Texas Legislature Basics

  • Advocacy 101

YOU are the expert. Make your voice heard.