What is Trauma Designation and State Verification?

A Trauma Center is identified in two (2) ways – designation and verification.

Trauma Center Designation is a process outlined and developed at a state or local level. The state identifies unique criteria to categorize the trauma centers. These categories vary from state to state. The categories are Level I – III in Maryland.

Trauma Center Verification is an evaluation process done by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) to evaluate and improve trauma centers. The ACS verifies the presence of resources listed in the Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient – which include commitment, readiness, resources, polices, patient care, and performance improvement.

The only ACS verified trauma center in Maryland is the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD (Level II Trauma Center).

In Washington, D.C., there are four (4) ACS verified trauma centers:

• Children’s National Health System (Level I Pediatric Trauma Center)
• George Washington University Hospital (Level I Trauma Center)
• Howard University Trauma Center (Level I Trauma Center)
• MedStar Washington Hospital Center (Level I Trauma Center)

According to the Maryland Institute of Emergency Services Systems (MIEMSS) , a trauma center is categorized by the following standards: