Resource Overview
- Pediatric Readiness is supported through state regulation, recognition programs, and national accreditation/award programs.
- Each approach plays a different role in strengthening pediatric emergency care across EDs.
- Together, they represent a continuum from minimum standards to high-performance excellence.
How to Use This Resource
- Use this page to understand how different Pediatric Readiness approaches fit together.
- Identify where your ED currently sits and what next steps may support continued improvement.
- Share with teams to support alignment around Pediatric Readiness expectations and goals.
Establishing the Minimum Standard
State regulations incorporate Pediatric Readiness into licensure or operational requirements for emergency departments (EDs). These requirements ensure all hospitals providing emergency care to children meet a defined baseline level of readiness.
Key Features:
- Mandatory for hospitals within the state
- Embedded in laws, rules, or regulatory guidance
- 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
Purpose:
To ensure every ED is prepared to provide safe, initial care for children, regardless of location.
Promoting Excellence and Continuous Improvement
Facility recognition programs are typically state-led or collaborative initiatives that hospitals voluntarily join to demonstrate higher levels of Pediatric Readiness.
Key Features:
- Voluntary participation
- Often structured in tiers (e.g., Pediatric Comprehensive, Pediatric Receiving, Ready)
- Aligned with national Pediatric Readiness guidelines while extending beyond baseline expectations
May Include:
- Quality improvement (QI) initiatives and performance tracking
- Data submission and benchmarking
- Ongoing education, simulation, and training
- Multidisciplinary collaboration and leadership engagement
- Virtual or on-site verification
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 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 and 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 healthcare needs, and outcomes improve when EDs are prepared to meet them. By combining regulation, recognition, and accreditation, health systems can support both consistency and excellence in Pediatric Readiness across the continuum of care.