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Trauma Designation

EMS and Trauma Systems

EMS and Trauma Systems

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Trauma Designation

In 1989, House Bill 18 was passed during the 71st Legislature. The purpose of the bill was to develop an emergency medical services (EMS) and trauma care system. This allowed for the creation of trauma service areas (TSAs), formed regional advisory councils (RACs), and outlined the trauma facility designation process. The trauma designation rules went into effect on December 26, 2006. 

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has the authority to designate facilities. The Office of EMS/Trauma Systems Section of DSHS works with hospitals and Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) to:

  • Develop facility designation protocols,
  • Develop policies, and
  • Designate facilities in the state.

EMS/Trauma Systems Seeking Applicants for Trauma Designation Review Committee

The EMS/Trauma Systems Section in collaboration with the Governor's EMS and Trauma Advisory Council (GETAC) is preparing for the implementation of Section 157.126 Trauma Facility Designation Requirements Effective on September 1, 2025.

The new rule requires a Trauma Designation Review Committee to review all written appeals submitted by facilities.  The department is seeking applicants for the Designation Review Committee membership. Applicants must complete and submit the application and meet the requirements for consideration. Requirements include a minimum of ten years of experience as an administrator, medical director, program manager, or program liaison providing trauma facility oversight. Experience does not include residency or fellowship training.

If you are interested in applying for the committee, please complete the application by 11:59 pm, June 15, 2025.

For reference, the Designation Review Committee rule detail can be found in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §157.126(s).

If you have questions, please contact Jorie Klein or Elizabeth Stevenson. 

Adopted Trauma Rule Comparison Documents 

Register Now

Statewide Trauma Designation Meetings   

Texas trauma designation program staff are invited to attend our monthly meeting in collaboration with the department and peers throughout the state. Share ideas and best practices to improve patient outcomes for Texans.     

Join us by requesting registration below: 

Trauma System Development

Overview

Related Programs 

Councils

 

Trauma Facility Designation

Documents

Fees

The non-refundable trauma application fees for a three-year designation period are as follows:

  • Level I trauma facility application fee will be no more than $10 per licensed bed, with an upper limit of $5,000.00 and a lower limit of $4,000.00.
  • Level II trauma facility application fee will be no more than $10 per licensed bed, with an upper limit of $5,000.00 and a lower limit of $4,000.00.
  • Level III trauma facility application fee will be no more than $10 per licensed bed, with an upper limit of $2,500.00 and a lower limit of $1,500.00.
  • Level IV trauma facility application fee will be no more than $10 per licensed bed, with an upper limit of $1,000.00 and a lower limit of $500.00.

Facilities

Map

Best Practice Guidelines

Resources

For the purposes of Trauma Facility designation, DSHS will accept certifications or survey results from these recognized organizations: 

Get In touch

Mailing Address

Texas Department of State Health Services EMS/Trauma Systems
Attn: Trauma Designation Program
PO Box 149347 MC 1876
Austin, TX 78714-9347
United States

Phone

512-834-6794

Email

Elizabeth.Stevenson@dshs.texas.gov

For technical difficulties, information, or process or rule clarification:

Phone

737-267-4467

Email

Sunita.raj@dshs.texas.gov

For Trauma Uncompensated Care Funding questions