Content Information
Statute 147A establishes Iowa as an inclusive trauma system. Which means, all hospitals in Iowa must be verified at the level of care which can be provided by the facility.
The administrative rules governing the trauma system are contained in Chapters 164 β 134 through 164 β 138.
Chapter 164 β 134 is titled Trauma Care Facility Categorization and Verification. It outlines how each trauma center is categorized and verified and what criteria are used for these purposes. This rule also establishes that proceedings, records, and reports developed pursuant to this chapter constitute peer review records and are not subject to discovery by subpoena or admissible as evidence. And that all information and documents received by the Iowa Department of Public Health from a hospital, emergency care facility, or trauma care facility shall be confidential.
Chapter 164 β 135 is titled Trauma Triage and Transfer Protocols. It outlines the use of trauma triage and transfer protocols that have been approved by the department, to assist personnel from each EMS service program and trauma care facility. The out-of-hospital trauma Triage Destination Decision Protocol for adults and pediatrics is adopted by reference in this administrative rule.
Chapter 164 β 136 is titled Trauma Registry. It outlines the use of the Iowa Trauma Patient Data Dictionary for use of reportable patient data. The chapter also discusses the submission benchmark of 80 percent of cases entered into the registry within 60 days of patient discharge. It also outlines the release of reportable patient data and the requests thereof.
Chapter 164 β 137 is titled Trauma Education and Training. This chapter outlines initial trauma education requirements for physicians, physician assistants, advanced registered nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses who are identified as trauma team members. Registered nurses should complete Trauma Nursing Course Objectives (2007) within one year of hire. Physicians, PAs, and ARNPs are required to comply with the education criteria specific to the level for which the facility is verified. For continuing education RNβs and LPNβs must complete 16 hours of continuing trauma education with a minimum of four hours as formal education every four years. Physicians, PAs, and ARNPs are required to comply with the education criteria specific to the level for which the trauma care facility is verified.
Chapter 164 β 138 is titled Trauma System Advisory Council. This rule establishes the purpose and duties of TSAC, as well as, the membership and officers. This rule also outlines the meetings, subcommittee designation, confidentiality, documentation, and expenses of the council.
It is important to review the statute and Administrative Rules and understand their importance to the trauma program. These rules establish the guidance for the facilityβs trauma program and is the binding contract by which every trauma care facility must abide.