Bills in the Florida House and Senate would essentially deregulate trauma centers, allowing any hospital to open one without review by regulators. Currently, the Department of Health must approve applications for trauma centers at hospitals. It ensures they follow guidelines, including having trauma specialists such as neurosurgeons available around the clock, having enough operating suites and having enough trauma experience on staff. It also considers regional need. This week, amendments were added to Senate Bill 966 and House Bill 817 that would undo that system. Hospitals would be able to open trauma centers without regulatory review of quality or need.
