As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

1. 1. “Categorization” means a preliminary determination by the department that a hospital or emergency care facility is capable of providing trauma care in accordance with criteria adopted pursuant to chapter 17A for level I, II, III, and IV care capabilities.
2. 2. “Department” means the department of health and human services.
3. 3. “Director” means the director of health and human services.
4. 4. “Emergency care facility” means a physician’s office, clinic, or other health care center which provides emergency medical care in conjunction with other primary care services.
5. 5. “Hospital” means a facility licensed under chapter 135B, or a comparable emergency care facility located and licensed in another state.
6. 6. “Trauma” means a single or multisystem life-threatening or limb-threatening injury, or an injury requiring immediate medical or surgical intervention or treatment to prevent death or permanent disability.
7. 7. “Trauma care facility” means a hospital or emergency care facility which provides trauma care and has been verified by the department as having level I, II, III, or IV care capabilities and issued a certificate of verification pursuant to section 147A.23, subsection 2, paragraph “c”.
8. 8. “Trauma care system” means an organized approach to providing personnel, facilities, and equipment for effective and coordinated trauma care.
9. 9. “Verification” means a formal process by which the department certifies a hospital or emergency care facility’s capacity to provide trauma care in accordance with criteria established for level I, II, III, and IV trauma care facilities.

95 Acts, ch 40, §2; 2023 Acts, ch 19, §265