Pediatric Readiness gains momentum in state trauma regulations

States are increasingly incorporating Pediatric Readiness standards into their trauma system regulations, strengthening emergency care for children across the U.S. Ten states have confirmed they include—or plan to include—Pediatric Readiness criteria in their trauma verification standards. These include Delaware (Levels I-IV), Idaho, Iowa (Levels I-III), Kansas (Levels I-III), North Dakota, Montana, Tennessee, and Texas.

Kentucky is one of the newest states to integrate Pediatric Readiness standards. Since the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT) verification process includes Pediatric Readiness, and Kentucky accepts ACS verification towards Levels I-III, the revised trauma regulations require Pediatric Readiness assessments and improvement plans for Level IV centers. This supports the growing Kentucky EMSC hospital recognition program, encouraging all EDs to become Pediatric Ready. Kentucky also has revised its companion Kentucky Trauma Hospital Reference Manual to include Pediatric Readiness. In addition, South Dakota intends to add Pediatric Readiness to the Level IV-V trauma center designation process. 

The ACS COT Level IV Standards are anticipated to include a Pediatric Readiness Standard and will be officially released in the fall. The ACS COT Fields Program (Regional COT) will begin an educational webinar series on Pediatric Readiness in July 2025 to encourage all national trauma center EDs to become Pediatric Ready. 

With growing recognition of the impact of Pediatric Readiness, which is linked to significantly reduced mortality rates, states are encouraged to integrate these life-saving standards into their verification processes.

Learn more about Pediatric Readiness.