The Tale of Two States (Live)-Handout: The Tale of Two States

Handout: The Tale of Two States

Pdf Summary

The document "A Tale of Two States" is an educational statement from the Trauma Center Association of America (TCAA) addressing the development and challenges of statewide trauma systems based on experiences from Pennsylvania and Georgia. Co-authored by Juliet Altenburg, RN, MSN, and Dennis Ashley, M.D., the statement offers a comparative glimpse into the processes, strategies, and outcomes in these states.<br /><br />Pennsylvania's trauma system, managed by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation (PTSF), has grown since 1985 when it was recognized by the EMS Act. The state now has an extensive network of 53 trauma centers with varied levels of accreditation. PTSF operates as a private accrediting body that aligns at minimum with standards set by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Milestones highlight the evolution of trauma center levels and funding mechanisms, supported by legislative acts like the Automobile Insurance Reform Act and Act 54 of 2019, which provides for Level IV centers in rural counties.<br /><br />In Georgia, the development of the trauma system is overseen by the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission (GTCNC). Initiated by Senate Bill 60 in 2007, GTCNC coordinates the establishment of a statewide trauma system despite earlier financial losses and inadequate system integration. Unique funding solutions, such as the "Super Speeder Law," provide sustained support for trauma care, allowing the state to develop a coherent network and improve trauma outcomes. A pivotal initiative is the Georgia Trauma Quality Improvement Program, which promotes quality care through collaboration among trauma centers.<br /><br />Both systems emphasize using data for continual improvement and ensuring stakeholder engagement. Pennsylvania's use of consistent accreditation standards and Georgia's innovative funding and collaborative approach offer learning models for other states developing their trauma systems.

Keywords

Trauma Center Association of America

statewide trauma systems

Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation

Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission

trauma center accreditation

American College of Surgeons standards

Automobile Insurance Reform Act

Super Speeder Law

trauma quality improvement

stakeholder engagement