New Jersey § 26:2kk-4

§ 26:2kk-4.

a. The commissioner shall establish a multidisciplinary State Trauma System Advisory

Committee (STSAC) to advise the commissioner and the State Trauma Medical Director

on the development of a formal Statewide trauma system plan. In order to enable maximum input from stakeholders, the STSAC shall include, to

the extent feasible, representatives of all aspects of trauma care. The members of the committee, who shall be appointed by the Governor, shall include,

but need not be limited to, representatives of the following trauma care providers

in the State: (1) the medical director of each State-designated trauma center, provided that the

trauma program managers of each State designated trauma center may serve as alternates

for the medical director of each State-certified trauma center; (2) the medical director of a State-certified burn treatment facility; (3) the chairperson of the New Jersey Emergency Medical Services Council; (4) the medical director of a rehabilitation facility in the State that treats patients

with traumatic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and traumatic spinal cord

injuries; (5) three representatives of pre-hospital care providers in the State, including an

advanced life support provider as recommended by the State mobile intensive care advisory

council, a volunteer basic life support provider as recommended by the New Jersey

State First Aid Council, and a paid basic life support provider; (6) The New Jersey licensed physician chairperson of the New Jersey Chapter of the

American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma; (7) a New Jersey licensed physician recommended by the New Jersey Chapter of the American

College of Emergency Physicians; (8) a New Jersey licensed nurse recommended by the New Jersey Chapter of the Emergency

Nurses Association; (9) one individual with expertise in the prevention of injury; and (10) one medical director of the emergency department of a New Jersey hospital that

is not a State-designated trauma center. b. (1) The STSAC shall have an executive committee appointed by the commissioner from

among the members of the STSAC, consisting of two medical directors from State-designated

Level One trauma centers; two medical directors from State designated Level Two trauma

centers; one medical director of an emergency department from a New Jersey hospital

that is not the site of a State-designated trauma center; one representative of pre-hospital

care providers in the State; and the State Trauma Medical Director, who shall serve

ex officio as chair of the executive committee of the STSAC. (2) The executive committee of the STSAC shall set forth the times and agenda of the

meetings of the STSAC, coordinate the policy recommendations of the STSAC, and draft

the STSAC's initial and subsequent reports. c. (1) Each member of the STSAC shall serve for a term of three years and may be reappointed

to one or more subsequent terms, except that of the members first appointed, one third

shall serve for a term of three years, one third for a term of two years, and one

third for a term of one year. Vacancies in the membership of the committee shall be filled in the same manner

provided for the original appointments. (2) The STSAC shall organize as soon as practicable following the appointment of its

members and shall hold its initial meeting no later than 90 days after the effective

date of this act. (3) The members of the STSAC shall select a chairperson and vice chair. The vice chair shall conduct the committee meetings when the chairperson is unable

to attend. (4) The members shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for necessary

expenses incurred in the performance of their duties and within the limits of available

funds. d. (1) Consistent with the recommendations of the American College of Surgeons Committee

on Trauma, and, to the extent applicable, consistent with the processes outlined in

the State Trauma System Planning Guide issued by the National Association of State

Emergency Medical Services Officials, the STSAC shall: analyze data related to trauma

care in the State; design a formal system of trauma care in the State with system-wide

standards of pre-hospital triage and hospital-based care and policies; evaluate the

State trauma system on an ongoing basis, and identify strategies to ensure optimal

coordination of the Statewide trauma system. In fulfilling these responsibilities, the STSAC shall seek input from stakeholders

representing all aspects of trauma care in the State. (2) Within one year following the date of enactment of this act, the STSAC shall prepare

and submit a report to the commissioner and the State Trauma Medical Director, which

shall include a recommended comprehensive State trauma system plan. The plan shall address: (a) Best practices and standards for all trauma care providers; (b) Development and implementation of protocols for the stabilization and transfer

of patients; (c) Training requirements for acute care hospital personnel with respect to identifying,

stabilizing, and arranging for the transfer of a patient whose condition is beyond

the scope of the hospital's capabilities; (d) Mandatory trauma triage practices to be performed by emergency medical service

providers; (e) Any other issues that the STSAC determines to be appropriate for inclusion in

the plan. (3) Subsequent to the receipt of the initial report and recommendation submitted by

the STSAC pursuant to this subsection, the commissioner shall promulgate regulations

establishing and implementing a State trauma system plan. (4) Subsequent to the preparation and issuance of its initial report pursuant to this

subsection, the STSAC shall: systematically review strategies to maintain and improve

the State trauma system; submit an annual report to the commissioner and the State

Trauma Medical Director on its activities; and provide any recommendations it determines

are necessary to improve the State trauma system.