[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 2, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S497-S498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

      By Mr. REED (for himself and Mr. Moran):
  S. 3566. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect 
to trauma care; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions.
  Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I am pleased to introduce the 
Improving Trauma Systems and Emergency Care Act with Senator Moran.
  Nationally, trauma is the leading cause of death in the United States 
for individuals aged 44 and younger, and according to the Coalition for 
National Trauma Research, trauma accounts for 41 million emergency room 
visits and 2 million hospital admissions across the country each year.
  For anyone who experiences sudden, major injuries in a car crash, a 
house fire, and any other dangerous incident, timely and effective 
trauma care can make a significant difference. The Nation's trauma and 
emergency medical

[[Page S498]]

systems are designed to provide that expert care. These systems respond 
quickly and efficiently to get seriously injured individuals to the 
appropriate trauma center hospital within the ``golden hour,'' the time 
period when medical intervention is most effective in saving lives and 
preventing permanent injury. Achieving this standard of access requires 
maintenance and careful coordination between organized systems of 
trauma care.
  We must continually improve and invest in this essential component of 
our healthcare system. In 2014, President Obama signed the Improving 
Trauma Care Act into law, legislation that I introduced to add burn 
injuries to the definition of ``trauma care'' and ensure that burn 
centers are eligible for funding under trauma and emergency care 
programs.
  The legislation we are introducing today takes another important step 
by authorizing $24 million each year for pilot program grants to 
strengthen coordination and communication among trauma systems, improve 
access to trauma care, and facilitate clinical research. The 
legislation would also require the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness 
and Response at the Department of Health and Human Services, HHS, to 
support States in improving emergency medical services and trauma care 
during a public health emergency. Lastly, the legislation would allow 
HHS to award grants to improve trauma care in rural areas.
  I am pleased to have the support of the Trauma Center Association of 
America for this bill, and I urge our colleagues on both sides of the 
aisle to join us in cosponsoring this legislation and working toward 
its expeditious passage.

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