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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.

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.  

2024 Meetings: 

The 2024 meetings end soon. Stay connected with us by requesting registration below. 

2025 Meetings: 

Requests to register for the 2025 designation meetings will be processed in December. 


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

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

For Trauma Uncompensated Care Funding questions