ACEM - Standards and Advocacy Library

ACEM supports evidence-based approaches to harm minimisation. Harm minimisation is a multipronged approach to drug use through harm reduction (reducing risk behaviours or creating safer settings), demand reduction (preventing uptake or providing appropriate treatment) and supply reduction (regulation and reducing production and supply).

All Standards Statement EM Classification Leadership Resource Stewardship Roles & Responsibilities in the ED

V1.0 01 Jun 2026

S1024
Interim Statement on Scope of a FACEM

A clearly defined scope of practice ensures that FACEMs’ unique contributions to patient care, clinical leadership, and system stewardship are recognised and appropriately utilised. The responsibilities of FACEMs continue to evolve.

All Public Health & Prevention Standards

V2.0 12 May 2026

S799
Statement on Exposure Prone Procedures in the Emergency Department

ACEM endorses that all ED healthcare workers (HCW) ensure that patients are not exposed to blood borne viruses (BBV). While exposure prone procedures (EPP) increase the risk of BBV transmission between HCWs and patients, EPPs are rarely performed in EDs. ACEM does not recommend regular routine testing of all ED HCWs for BBVs.

NZ Access to Care Mental Health Submissions

01 May 2026

SUB720
Draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2036 Consultation NZ

ACEM's submission highlights three priority areas with suggested actions for consideration ahead of finalisation of the Strategy:
- Patient access and flow
- Hauora Māori | Māori health
- Infrastructure and resourcing

All Policy Disaster Management Public Health & Prevention Standards

V6 01 May 2026

P56
Policy on Public Health

ACEM believes that emergency medicine has important and unique roles and responsibilities in the advancement of public health. Emergency medicine has significant overlays with public health, particularly in three key areas: health protection, health promotion, and Emergency Management and Disaster Response.

All Policy Public Health & Prevention Vulnerable Patients Standards

V6.0 24 Apr 2026

P38
Policy on Immunisation in Emergency Departments

The primary healthcare sector is the principle provider of routine vaccinations, but opportunistic immunisations can be considered in the ED for incompletely immunised patients with limited access to immunisation programs.

All Cultural safety Vulnerable Patients Standards

V1.0 01 Apr 2026

S1009
Statement on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is a violation of human rights and a form of child abuse and gender-based violence. Women and girls living with FGM/C must have access to trauma-informed, culturally safe care in EDs across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

All Policy Access to Care Triage Vulnerable Patients Standards

V3.0 01 Apr 2026

S31
Policy on Patient Rights to Access Emergency Department Care

Any individual with symptoms that lead them to believe that they have an injury or illness that could place their health in jeopardy, or lead to an impairment of their quality of life has the right to attend an ED. For the homeless and disadvantaged, the ED may be the only point through which they can access healthcare after hours.

All Standards Statement Clinician Wellbeing Workforce

V1.0 25 Feb 2026

S998
Statement on FACEMs and Associates with Disability Working in EDs

S998 promotes equity, inclusion and career sustainability for FACEMs and Associates with disability, long term or chronic condition(s), or neurodivergence. See statement S860 for our position on doctors with a disability applying for or undertaking FACEM training.

AU Access to Care Geriatric EM Rural Regional & Remote Safety & Quality Workforce Submissions

01 Jan 2026

SUB714
ACEM 2026-27 Federal Pre-Budget Submission

ACEM's submission to the Treasury regarding the 2026-27 Federal Budget. The submission calls for the continuation of EMET; Establish a dedicated funding stream for EM research; Increased investment across the spectrum of aged care; and a call for national leadership to address violence and aggression directed at healthcare professionals.

S769 Statement on Harm Minimisation Related to Drug Use

S1024 Interim Statement on Scope of a FACEM

S799 Statement on Exposure Prone Procedures in the Emergency Department

SUB720 Draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2036 Consultation NZ

P56 Policy on Public Health

P38 Policy on Immunisation in Emergency Departments

S1009 Statement on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

S31 Policy on Patient Rights to Access Emergency Department Care

S998 Statement on FACEMs and Associates with Disability Working in EDs

SUB714 ACEM 2026-27 Federal Pre-Budget Submission

S769
Statement on Harm Minimisation Related to Drug Use