Purpose and Authority.

(a)

The purpose of this subchapter is to establish minimum standards for the development, implementation, designation, and evaluation of trauma care systems as components of California's emergency medical services (EMS) system.

(b)

These standards ensure coordinated patient care for the assessment, triage, transport, treatment, and rehabilitation of trauma patients across the continuum of emergency medical services, from prehospital response through definitive care and recovery.

(c)

The intent of these regulations is to provide consistency among local trauma systems while allowing flexibility for local implementation based on regional needs and resources, in accordance with Sections 1798.150 and 1798.160 of the Health and Safety Code.