Emergency services and trauma care in California are being threatened. Financial pressures, infra-structure requirements and shortages of licensed health care professionals have caused numerous emergency department (ED) and trauma center closures or downgrades.

The willingness of physician specialists to take calls in hospital EDs has also become increasingly problematic for California hospitals. Physicians are less willing to voluntarily serve on call panels because of low or no payments, liability concerns, impact on their regular medical practices, family obligations and loss of personal flexibility. As a result, the quality of ED care for many patients is in serious jeopardy.

CHA supports improvements to California’s emergency care medical system that will facilitate timely availability of physician specialists in hospital EDs. CHA believes that additional funding for hospital EDs and trauma care is essential to ensure access to care for all patients.