Previously, we furnished administrators and other hospital leaders interested in obtaining ACS (American College of Surgeons) verification—and evaluating and improving trauma care at their facilities—with an overview of the ACS verification, review, and consultation process. Today, we are pleased to provide further information, from duration of certificate validity to the number of trauma centers that have acquired ACS verification thus far, as shared by Dan Hamilton, public information associate for the association.
- Trauma centers that obtain ACS verification receive a certificate that is in effect for three years.
- ACS on-site reviewers refer to Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient – Sixth Edition, the manual of the ACS Committee on Trauma (COT), during trauma center evaluations. (The book underscores resources for delivering the best possible trauma care.)
- Factors assessed during an on-site review include commitment, readiness, resources, policies, patient care, and performance improvement.
- The verification process is separate from the designation process. The ACS does not designate trauma centers.
- You can find ACS-verified trauma centers in your state via an online search tool.
- The requirement for ACS verification for trauma centers varies by state. States that do not call for it have their own evaluation process.
- State governments, local emergency medical services (EMS), and myriad foundations can evaluate trauma centers, too, but not in lieu of ACS verification in states where it is a requirement.
- As of January 1, 2017, all trauma centers seeking ACS verification must be enrolled in the ACS Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) at the time of their review.
- The Verification, Review, and Consultation (VRC) Program was created in 1987.
- To date, 400-plus trauma centers have received ACS verification.
More information can be found in the Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient – Sixth Edition, the ACS COT’s manual, which may be downloaded or ordered online. For your trauma center’s permanent placement needs, please visit our website or speak with an Optimum Permanent Placement Services’ business development executive by calling 603-816-9070.
