Committees - FAQs

The ACEP Bylaws describe committees as groups of members appointed by the President to assist the Board of Directors in its work. Work is delegated to committees in the form of objectives, and recommendations are formulated by committees for final action by the Board. In other words, policy recommendations are initiated by committees; policy decisions are made by the Board of Directors.

Committees are work groups with specific responsibilities assigned by the President. They do not set their own objectives. Committee members serve for a specific period of time and are accountable to the President for achievement of assigned objectives.

Committee members are appointed by the President Elect, usually in June each year. The process, though begins much earlier. About 6 months before taking office as President, the President Elect begins to collect recommendations for committee members.

Committee Interest Forms are available online and advertised in ACEP Now, e-newsletters, and chapters, as well. Members with specific interests or expertise are encouraged to apply for committee membership to assist the College in its work.

Committee members serve for one year, and may indicate an interest in reappointment. Reappointment, however, is not automatic, and is at the discretion of the incoming President. Committee terms begin with the annual meeting each year. Most committees hold organizational meetings at the annual meeting.

Committee meetings are open to all members of the College.

Committee members have certain responsibilities. Beyond carrying out specific assignments and participating in committee conference calls, committee members are expected to keep abreast of College policies and processes. They help to evaluate their committee and set future objectives for that committee.

Committee members do not make policy. Policy is the prerogative of the Board. Therefore, committee members should defer commenting on College policy unless specifically delegated this role by the President.

Committee members must be cognizant that their statements may be perceived by others as opinions of the College given the leadership role a committee member assumes.

Apart from members, committees consist of a chair, a Board Liaison, and a staff liaison. Some committees also have ex officio members, who act as full committee members.

Committees offer members the opportunity to get involved. There are four standing committees provided in the Bylaws and currently 26 others. These committees cover a wide range of interests and thus offer a variety of opportunities to become active in ACEP.

As a member of a committee, individuals work with other members and staff. Committees provide opportunities to develop leadership skills if so desired. Committees allow exposure and experience so that members may advance into leadership positions.

Committees may interact extensively with the leadership of chapters and sections. For example, the State Legislative Committee assists chapters in their state legislative work. The Public Relations Committee assists chapters with development of public relations plans.

The extent of the interaction depends upon the objectives of the committee.

A committee may work directly with the ACEP Board in the review of policy or under their direction for specific projects. Certain committees such as Finance and Bylaws  work very closely with the Board and are integral to the running of the College.

Each committee has a Board Liaison that works to oversee all committee work from a "Board perspective" and to present the committee's work to the Board when needed.

Committees may vary somewhat each year but there are always 4 standing committees per the Bylaws and usually 25 or so other committees determined by the President Elect. Committee chairs are appointed by the President Elect in May each year.

Any member can apply to serve on any committee.

The Policy on Sections of Membership describes the function of a section as follows:

1. A forum for the exchange of information between members and the College.
2. A means for the College to utilize the expertise of an identifiable group of members on specific issues.
3. A forum for members with a special interest to speak as a unified group to the leadership of the College.

Sections are a subcategory of national ACEP membership. Members of a section pay $40 annual dues and receive regular communications as a benefit of membership. Section members have chosen to participate in a section to afford themselves networking and communication opportunities.

While sections of membership may decide to undertake specific projects with the approval of the Board of Directors they make this choice of their own volition. Section projects are not undertaken at the direction of the College leadership and/or the President.

Sections may not represent themselves as speaking on behalf of the College and may not act independently. 

To advocate their interest area, sections develop their own goals and objectives, which they must submit to the Board of Directors for approval prior to implementation. Additional objectives may be assigned directly to a section by the College President. To achieve their objectives, sections may establish their own committees.

The leadership structure, objectives, terms of office, etc., are defined by each section in its operational guidelines. These guidelines are developed by the section for approval by the Board of Directors.