The EMRA Board of Directors has approved a measure to provide support to residents whose programs face closure. The Displaced Resident Bill of Rights follows.
As evidenced by EMRA Policy Compendium, Section V.XIII, EMRA recognizes the possibility of residency program closure and resident displacement. Further, EMRA urges the protection and support of residents displaced or at risk of displacement due to training hospital or program closure prior to matriculation through the entirety of the emergency medicine residency program.
In recognition of the critical role that medical residents play in our health care system and the significant investment they have made in their training and careers, EMRA establishes this Bill of Rights to ensure the protection and support of displaced residents.
EMRA affirms the following rights for displaced residents:
- The right to matriculate into an alternate emergency medicine program for the remainder of their training, ideally with completion within the same projected time course.
- The right to have support and assistance — including financially — from their respective graduate medical education (GME) office.
- The right to adequate, timely notification regarding pending program closure and the need to transition to a new residency program.
- The right for the resident voice to be present, valued, and considered in all settings where program closure is being considered.
- The right to financial support for any transitions or relocations that occur as a result of program closure.
- The right to sufficient malpractice insurance coverage provided by their former training institution that ensures protection from claims occurring during their time in the closed program.
- The right to be excused from clinical duties as needed to interview for new residency positions.
- The right to timely transfer of resident position funding to their new program.