LAC 48:I.19703. Purpose

A. LERN recognizes the opportunity to reduce the morbidity and mortality of trauma patients in Louisiana in areas without an existing level I or level II trauma center or an existing level II or level III trauma program through this process which recognizes the achievement of specific benchmarks in hospitals actively pursuing levels II or III trauma center verification through the American College of Surgeons (ACS). B. The purpose of this Chapter is to define the qualifications, procedure, and requirements for hospitals seeking trauma center verification by the ACS to be recognized by LERN as achieving the core components of a trauma program and thus qualified for recognition as a trauma program. C. The criteria for trauma program recognition are drawn from Resources for Optimal Care of Injured Patient 2014 published by the ACS. D. Trauma program recognition is distinct and different from the trauma center certification by the state. To be certified as a trauma center, a hospital must satisfy the requirements of R.S. 40:2172 and 2173.