15 Miss. Code. R. 12-32-3.3.4 - Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

1. Level II trauma centers must have an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) that meets the needs of the adult trauma patient.

2. The surgical director for the ICU which houses trauma patients - must have obtained critical care training during residency or fellowship and must have expertise in the preoperative and post injury care of the injured patient. This is best demonstrated by a certificate of added qualification in surgical critical care from the American Board of Surgery and may also be fulfilled by documentation of active participation during the preceding 12 months in trauma patients' ICU care and ICU administration and critical care-related continuing medical education. The director is responsible for the quality of care and administration of the ICU and will set policy and establish standards of care to meet the unique needs of the trauma patient.

3. The trauma service assumes and maintains responsibility for the care of the multiple injured patient. A surgically directed ICU physician team is desirable. The team will provide in-house physician coverage for all ICU trauma patients at all times. This service can be staffed by appropriately trained physicians from different specialties, but must be led by a qualified surgeon as determined by critical care credentials consistent with the medical staff privileging process of the institution.

4. There should be physician coverage for the ICU at all times. A physician credentialed by the facility for critical care should be promptly available to the trauma patient in the ICU 24 hours/day. This coverage is for emergencies only and is not intended to replace the primary surgeon but rather is intended to ensure that the patient's immediate needs are met while the surgeon is contacted.

5. The trauma service should maintain the responsibility for the care of the patient as long as the patient remains critically ill. The trauma service must remain in charge of the patient and coordinate all therapeutic decisions. The responsible trauma surgeon or designee should write all orders. The trauma surgeon should maintain control over all aspects of care, including but not limited to respiratory care and management of mechanical ventilation; placement and use of pulmonary catheters; management of fluid and electrolytes, antimicrobials, and enteral and parenteral nutrition.

6. Level II trauma centers must provide staffing in sufficient numbers to meet the critical needs of the trauma patient. Critical care nurses must show evidence of completion of a structured in-service program. There must be a written plan ensuring nurses maintain ongoing critical care education. ICU nurses are an integral part of the trauma team and as such, should be represented on the Multidisciplinary Trauma Committee and participate in the PI process of the trauma program.

7. The list of required equipment necessary for the ICU can be found on line at http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/49.html.

Notes

15 Miss. Code. R. 12-32-3.3.4

Miss. Code Ann. § 41-59-5