Resource Overview
- Pediatric Readiness criteria are integrated across recognition programs, national accreditation and verification initiatives, award programs, and state laws and regulations.
- Each approach plays a distinct role in promoting safe and high-quality pediatric emergency care across EDs.
- Together, they can represent a continuum from minimum standards to high-performance excellence.
How to Use This Resource
- Use this page to understand the different avenues to celebrate your ED’s achievements in Pediatric Readiness.
- Share with teams to support alignment around the value of Pediatric Readiness and/or requirements that may apply to your ED.
Establishing the Minimum Standard
Some states have laws or regulations that incorporate Pediatric Readiness. These requirements vary widely by state, and may be in the form of state law, state regulation, or state policy.
Key Features:
- Vary by state; only a handful of states have robust policies or regulations applying to all EDs
- Embedded in laws, rules, or regulatory guidance
- Typically focus on minimum standards for safe pediatric care
Common Requirements May Include:
- Designation of a Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator (PECC)
- Pediatric-specific policies, procedures, and protocols
- Age-appropriate equipment and medication availability
- Staff training and competency expectations
State Examples:
- New Jersey — Administrative regulation requiring every licensed hospital ED to meet full pediatric standards (24/7 certified nurse, pediatric physician on-call) as a condition of licensure; in effect since 1990–2002.
- California — 1996 statute + 2019 regulations requiring all hospitals receiving 911 EMS patients to obtain tiered Pediatric Receiving Center designation, with mandatory PECC and NPRP Assessment every three years.
- Illinois — 1996 administrative code creating three-tiered ED pediatric recognition levels; all anchor hospitals and trauma centers are mandated to hold recognition, with state health department site-visit enforcement every four years.
- Utah — SB 127 (effective as of 2026), requires all hospital EDs to designate a PECC, participate in NPRP Nationwide Assessment periods, engage in pediatric training, and adopt pediatric care policies.
- Delaware (Levels I-IV), Idaho, Iowa (Levels I-III), Kansas (Levels I-III), North Dakota, Montana, Tennessee, and Texas: These states have Pediatric Readiness-related requirements for trauma centers.
Purpose:
To help ensure every ED is prepared to provide safe, high-quality care for children.
Promoting Excellence and Continuous Improvement
Pediatric Readiness Recognition Programs are typically state- or regionally-led initiatives that hospitals voluntarily join to demonstrate higher levels of Pediatric Readiness.
Key Features:
- Typically voluntary participation
- Often structured in tiers (e.g., Pediatric Comprehensive, Pediatric Receiving, Ready)
- Aligned with national Pediatric Readiness guidelines
May Include:
- Appointment of a nurse and physician (or advanced practice provider) PECC
- Pediatric patients are weighed in kilograms only (scale is locked)
- Weight is documented in kilograms only
- Disaster plan includes pediatric considerations
Purpose:
To support hospitals in advancing beyond baseline readiness and strengthening a culture of continuous improvement in pediatric emergency care.
Recognizing High Performance and Leadership
National organizations offer formal accreditation, verification, or award programs that recognize EDs demonstrating advanced Pediatric Readiness, quality, and leadership.
Examples include:
- American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma Verification
- American College of Emergency Physicians Emergency Department Accreditation
- Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award
Key Features:
- Voluntary
- Rigorous application processes
- Require documentation, data review, and often site visits
- Emphasize quality, safety, outcomes, leadership, and innovation
Purpose:
To recognize and validate high-performing EDs that demonstrate excellence in emergency care, including for pediatric patients.
These approaches are complementary and represent a continuum of Pediatric Readiness:
- State Regulation = The Floor
Ensures all EDs meet minimum Pediatric Readiness standards
- Recognition Programs = The Bridge
Supports ongoing improvement and progression beyond baseline
- Accreditation/Awards = The Ceiling
Highlights excellence, leadership, and high reliability in care
Children have unique health care needs, and outcomes improve when EDs are prepared to meet them. By engaging with state regulations, recognition programs, and/or accreditation/verification programs, health systems can be validated and honored for their achievements in Pediatric Readiness.