Section 35-1-802 - Designation of trauma areas; trauma system hospitals(a) The department of health shall designate within the state trauma areas consistent with local resources, geography and current patient referral patterns. (b) Each trauma area shall have: (i) Medical control for all field care and transportation consistent with geographic and current communications capability; (ii) Specified triage protocols; (iii) Hospitals categorized according to existing standards of the department. (c) On and after July 1, 1993, the department may designate trauma system hospitals in areas that meet state objectives and standards. (d) On or after July 1, 1994, the department may implement area trauma system plans.