The UAB Emergency Department has earned the first Level 1 Accreditation from the American College of Emergency Physicians which represents the gold standard in emergency care.

A Level 1 emergency department must meet and exceed the program’s 34 common criteria, as well as additional requirements in physician and nurse staffing, in the availability of critical personnel and resources for emergency care, and in creating a safe environment for patients and staff.

“Achieving the ACEP Level 1 Accreditation highlights UAB’s commitment to excellence in emergency care,” said Andrew Edwards, MD, professor in the UAB Department of Emergency Medicine.

Over the last few years, UAB leadership has taken steps to expand its capabilities in emergency medicine. In 2022, UAB President Ray Watts established the UAB Emergency Medicine Task Force, providing a framework to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. In 2023, Governor Kay Ivey authorized a $50 million appropriation to support the expansion of UAB’s emergency department.