Legislation
Originally enacted by Act 559 of 1993, and later amended by Act 393 of 2009, the Trauma System Act, is codified at Ark. Code Ann. §20-13-801, et seq.
Administering Agency
The Arkansas Department of Health, Office of Preparedness and Emergency Response Systems-Trauma Section is designated by the Trauma Systems Act as the administering agency for the state trauma system. The Act charges the Office of Preparedness and Emergency Response Systems-Trauma Section to develop a comprehensive trauma care system, promulgate Rules necessary to implement and administer the Act, adopt standards for verification of trauma centers, and develop a trauma data collection and evaluation system, all in consultation with the Trauma Advisory Council.
Trauma Advisory Council
The Trauma Systems Act also established the Trauma Advisory Council (TAC). The purpose and composition of TAC members were originally established in 1993 but has been amended and updated several times since then.
The purpose of the Council is to make recommendations, advising, and providing assistance to the Arkansas Department of Health, Office of Preparedness and Emergency Response Systems-Trauma Section concerning the development and operation of a statewide trauma system.
Membership of TAC
The TAC shall consist of twelve (12) voting members who have demonstrated interest in trauma systems to be appointed by the Governor subject to confirmation by the Senate as follows:
- One (1) member appointed by the Governor after consulting the Arkansas Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians;
- One (1) member appointed by the Governor after consulting the American College of Surgeons, Arkansas Chapter;
- One (1) member appointed by the Governor after consulting the Arkansas Medical Society, Inc.;
- Three (3) members appointed by the Governor after consulting the Arkansas Hospital Association, Inc.;
- One (1) member appointed by the Governor after consulting the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee;
- One (1) member appointed by the Governor after consulting the Arkansas Emergency Medical Technicians Association;
- One (1) member appointed by the Governor after consulting The Arkansas Ambulance Association;
- One (1) member appointed by the Governor after consulting the Arkansas Minority Health Commission;
- One (1) member appointed to represent injury prevention; and
- One (1) member appointed from the public at large as a consumer representative who has an interest in trauma systems.
·The TAC shall also include four (4) voting members who have a demonstrated interest in trauma systems to be appointed as follows:
- Two (2) members to be appointed by and to serve at the pleasure of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate after consulting the Arkansas Medical, Dental, and Pharmaceutical Association, Inc. and the Arkansas Emergency Nurses Association; and
- Two (2) members to be appointed by and to serve at the pleasure of the Speaker of the House of Representatives after consulting the Arkansas Academy of Family Physicians, Inc.
The Secretary of the Department of Health or his or her designee shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio member of the Trauma Advisory Council.
Meeting Information
The TAC meets quarterly on the third Tuesday of February, May, August and November at 10am, at Freeway Medical Building, Boardroom 906.
Contact Information
Trauma Section
4815 W. Markham Street, Slot 4
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: 501-671-1428
Fax: 501-280-4729
[email protected]