Membership Dues Waivers for Financial Hardship

ACEP recognizes that there are times when members may be unable to pay dues as a result of an unanticipated financial hardship.

As the entity responsible for establishing dues rates, the ACEP Board of Directors may, at its discretion, consider requests for a dues waiver. Members suffering unanticipated, significant, financial hardship may apply to the ACEP Board of Directors for dues waiver by contacting the ACEP Member Care team.

A waiver of dues is available as an interim member benefit allowing a member to retain membership in their current membership category during a temporary but significant financial hardship. These guidelines are intended to further define and provide guidance for approval of dues waivers by the ACEP Board of Directors.

The following reasons will be considered financial hardships eligible for ACEP Board of Driectors' consideration of temporary dues waiver - 

• Natural disasters, catastrophic events, or acts of God, affecting a member’s economic status.
• Unanticipated, significant and extended loss of income due to unemployment.
• Significant and extended loss of income due to deployment or military activation.
• Severe personal of family medical illness that prevents member from full time employment.
• Extended disability resulting in a substantial and extended reduction in income.
• Personal bankruptcy resulting from medical or other circumstances beyond the member’s control.
• Other exceptional circumstances as may be determined from time to time by the ACEP Board of Directors.

The following limitations apply -

• Approval of a dues waiver is for one year unless otherwise indicated at the time of request and approved by the ACEP Board of Directors.
• Extenuating circumstances may be considered by the ACEP Board of Directors for extending approval of dues waiver beyond one year or extending a permanent waiver of dues. Such extensions may require the member to submit additional documentation.