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Next Step for Trauma Center Appointment Rule Process

By Florida Department of Health, Office of Communications

December 20, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2013

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCES NEXT STEP FOR TRAUMA CENTER APPORTIONMENT RULE PROCESS

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Health announced today a rulemaking negotiation as the next step in building consensus for a trauma center apportionment rule. Over the past year, the Department has conducted twelve rule development workshops across the state and received input from hundreds of Floridians to craft a rule which meets the needs of Florida's families and all interested parties. The negotiation is an opportunity for interested parties to come together and discuss the draft rule text directly with each other.

"Trauma services are essential for the health of Florida’s residents and visitors,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “On behalf of injured patients and their families in Florida, the Department is committed to working together with all stakeholders to heal divisions within the trauma center community.”

For nearly 30 years, Florida’s system of trauma care has saved lives through an organized and coordinated effort, last year treating nearly 42,000 trauma patients through 25 verified trauma centers across 19 trauma service areas. The Department recognizes the need for an inclusive and adaptable trauma system as recommended by the American College of Surgeons Trauma System Consultation Team in May 2013.

The rulemaking negotiation will take place on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. at the Florida Department of Health, 4052 Bald Cypress Way – Room 301, Tallahassee, Florida 32399. The negotiation is open to the public for viewing and the participants will include:

  • Dr. Darwin Ang, trauma surgeon at Ocala Regional Medical Center
  • Dr. Ernest Block, Chairman of the Florida Committee on Trauma and Trauma Program Medical Director for the Florida Department of Health
  • Dr. Patricia M. Byers, a member of the EMS Advisory Council and Professor of Surgery at the Ryder Trauma Center
  • Steve Ecenia, counsel for HCA Hospitals
  • Dr. Fred Moore, trauma surgeon at the University of Florida in Gainesville
  • Karen Putnal, counsel for St. Joseph's Hospital
  • Jennifer Tschetter, General Counsel for the Department of Health

Additional information about the negotiation can be found on the Public Meeting Notices page of the Department's website.

The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov.

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