WAC 246-976-930   General responsibilities of the department.  In addition to the requirements described in chapters 18.71, 18.73, and 70.168 RCW, and elsewhere in this chapter:

     (1) The department shall review, recommend changes to, and approve regional plans and regional patient care procedures based on the requirements of this chapter and recommendations from the steering committee, and upon consideration of the needs of patients.

     (a) The department may approve regional plans which include standards that are consistent with chapter 70.168 RCW and other state and federal laws, but which exceed the requirements of this chapter.

     (b) The department will develop a process for biennial update of regional and statewide planning. The process will include provisions to amend regional plans between biennial updates.

     (2) The department will publish prehospital trauma triage procedures for activation of the trauma system from the field. The procedures will include assessment of the patient's:

     (a) Vital signs and level of consciousness;

     (b) Anatomy of injury;

     (c) Biomechanics of the injury; and

     (d) Comorbid and associated risk factors.

     (3) The department may approve pilot programs and projects which have:

     (a) Stated objectives;

     (b) A specified beginning and ending date;

     (c) An identified way to measure the outcome;

     (d) A review process;

     (e) A work plan with a time line;

     (f) If training of EMS personnel is involved, consistency with the requirements of WAC 246-976-021(5).

     (4) The department will review at least every four years:

     (a) Rules, policies, and standards for EMS, with the advice of the steering committee;

     (b) Rules and standards for licensure of services and vehicles, and for certification of EMS personnel, with the advice of the L&C committee.



[Statutory Authority: Chapters 18.71 and 18.73 RCW. 04-08-103, § 246-976-930, filed 4/6/04, effective 5/7/04. Statutory Authority: Chapters 18.71, 18.73, and 70.168 RCW. 00-08-102, § 246-976-930, filed 4/5/00, effective 5/6/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040 and chapters 18.71, 18.73 and 70.168 RCW. 93-01-148 (Order 323), § 246-976-930, filed 12/23/92, effective 1/23/93.]