The main issue, hospital officials said in a public hearing with department officials on Sept. 26, is that the proposed rule fails to set caps on the number of trauma centers that can operate in the state’s 19 regions. The department declared that the number of trauma centers in the state cannot exceed 44. There are currently 33.
Because there are no regional caps, some hospital leaders fear that the proposed rule may allow for too many trauma centers in any one region, affecting a hospital’s ability to keep highly trained physicians and nurse practioners on stand-by.
The proposed rule has largely pitted legacy trauma centers against young hospital systems that are eager to develop and run their own trauma centers.
The department will accept public comment for one more week before making a final decision on the rule or issuing any changes.
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