The purpose of these regulations is to implement the trauma system provisions of the EMS Act (as amended by the Laws of 1993, Chapter 161).

1. A. These regulations set forth standards governing the statewide trauma system in order to:

   (1) prevent unnecessary death and disability due to injury,

   (2) develop a statewide trauma system to assure timely, quality, cost-efficient and definitive care through coordination of pre-hospital, hospital and post-acute care,

   (3) provide optimal care for the trauma patient,

   (4) study and identify the epidemiology of injury; and,

   (5) pursue trauma prevention activities to decrease the incidence of trauma.

2. B. These regulations establish procedures for:

   (1) statewide trauma system oversight,

   (2) requirements for all participating facilities,

   (3) the designation process of hospitals/healthcare facilities to provide trauma care services; and,

   (4) the development and operation of a statewide trauma registry.

3. C. These regulations are not intended to constitute detailed procedures for implementation of the state trauma system. Procedures and guidelines are available upon request from the IPEMS Bureau, Trauma Section, Public Health Division, Department of Health, PO Box 26110, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87502-6110.

4. D. Trauma system design/components: the trauma system in New Mexico will be designed with the following framework:

   (1) system roles and responsibilities define the organizational structure of the people and organizations instrumental to the trauma system. These include:

   (a) New Mexico Department of Health

   (b) IPEMS Bureau

   (c) EMS Regional offices

   (d) Trauma Advisory Committee

   (e) pre-hospital services

   (f) Regional Trauma Councils

   (g) acute care facilities

   (h) other state trauma systems

   (i) evaluation and process improvement systems

   (j) injury prevention professionals

   (2) system structures are the tools, structure and processes of the trauma systems. These include:

   (a) laws and regulations

   (b) information systems

   (c) evaluation and process improvement systems

5. E. System oversight:

   (1) IPEMS Bureau

   (2) Trauma Advisory Committee

   (3) Regional Trauma Advisory Councils

   (4) system process improvement program

   (5) designated trauma centers (levels I-IV)

   (6) state and hospital trauma registry

   (7) coordinated linkages with pre-hospital care services, rehabilitation facilities and long term care providers

   (8) support programs (e.g., public education, prevention, system finance)

6. F. The system will emphasize an inclusive approach with optimal participation by all providers in the continuum of trauma care.

[7.27.7.6 NMAC - Rp 7 NMAC 27.7.6, 6/14/02]