AAEM recognizes the right of employee emergency physicians to organize into collective bargaining units under the auspices of the National Labor Relations Board. AAEM acknowledges the presence of certain practice issues, such as economic exploitation and termination without cause, that may prompt the formation of unions in emergency medicine. We support AAEM members who form unions to improve patient care and their work environments. However, AAEM believes emergency physicians should preferably seek ownership of their practice by pursuing relief through existing laws and regulations including those prohibiting fee-splitting and, where applicable, the corporate practice of medicine. AAEM will provide assistance to emergency physicians who seek such ownership.
Published: 5/16/04