The ACEP-supported bipartisan Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Reauthorization Act of 2024 was signed into law December 23, 2024. EMSC is the only federal program focused specifically on enhancing emergency care for children and adolescents and has been a longtime ACEP legislative priority.
This critical federal program supports emergency departments throughout the country so that children and adolescents receive appropriate lifesaving emergency care.
“ACEP proudly supports efforts that prioritize the health of our young patients. Fully funding pediatric emergency care is critical — our nation’s children deserve high-quality care and services specific to their needs from trained and prepared experts anytime and anywhere. We applaud the bipartisan effort to enact this bill into law. Our shared commitment to pediatric emergency care will improve children’s health and save lives.”
Alison Haddock, MD, FACEP, president of ACEP
The reauthorization effort was led by Representatives Buddy Carter (R-GA), Kathy Castor (D-FL), John Joyce, M.D. (R-PA), and Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA) and Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Ted Budd (R-NC). Thanks to their bipartisan leadership, EMSC’s funding has been reauthorized through 2029.
EMSC funding helps equip emergency service professionals, hospitals, and care teams with specialized equipment to appropriately treat pediatric emergencies, provide pediatric-focused training, and enhance systemic efficiencies focused on caring for children and adolescents.
Research demonstrates that high pediatric readiness, defined by the National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) Assessment, significantly reduces child deaths and reduces racial and ethnic disparities in care.
Pediatric readiness resources are offered through a partnership between ACEP, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Emergency Nurses Association, the American College of Surgeons, and the Pediatric Pandemic Network. In the most recent national assessment of pediatric emergency capabilities in 2021, emergency departments improved in 5 of 6 categories from the last assessment in 2013.
ACEP is proud to lead efforts to encourage investment in pediatric readiness, advocate for fair reimbursement for pediatric emergency care, and ensure consistent standards of care throughout the country.
Related:
Pediatric emergency care improved during the pandemic
Bill providing emergency services to children signed into law
