Section 325.137. Trauma patient inter-facility transfer protocols.

(1) All designated trauma centers shall maintain inter-facility transfer protocols for trauma patients. All level 3, level 4 and non-designated hospitals will develop and implement a formal policy that describes the process for transfer of trauma patients who  meet criteria to be cared for at a level 1 or level 2 trauma center. All level 3, level 4 and non-designated hospitals will have  formal  transfer

agreements established with level 1 or level 2 hospitals for the transfer and receipt of trauma patients.

(4)     Trauma  patients  will   be  transported   to  Michigan  hospitals  that participate in and are designated as a Michigan trauma facility.

(5)  Michigan hospitals that frequently transfer patients to  out  of  state hospitals will do  so  only if  a designated  Michigan  trauma center is unavailable.

(6)   A trauma patient, who meets the criteria set forth in the adult and pediatric trauma triage  methodology   documents,  will   undergo  rapid   evaluation  and treatment  in preparation for transfer.

(7)   Level 3 and level 4 hospitals shall have protocols for activation of the transfer process, in anticipation of need for a level 1 or level 2 center, by pre-hospital personnel prior to arrival at the level 3 or level 4 hospital based on the adult and pediatric trauma triage methodology.

(8)     The method by which the patient is transferred (ground or air) shall be determined by the sending or receiving physician based on patient  need.Patients needing staff or equipment beyond the scope of local ground providers will be transferred via air-medical personnel at the discretion of the sending or receiving physician, or as defined by section 20921 (5).

(9)    Patients or their families may request transfer to a specific hospital if it is designated as a level 1 or level 2 trauma center, and the transfer can be accomplished without harm to the patient.

History: 2007 AACS.