House passes measures to reauthorize trauma care programs

The House approved legislation on Monday to reauthorize federal grants for trauma care programs.

Current law, which expires in September, authorizes $100 million annually for trauma care grant programs.

{mosads}Lawmakers passed a bill by a vote of 389-10 to extend the funding authorization through the end of the fiscal year in 2020.

“Trauma can happen at any time to anyone,” said Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Texas). “Trauma centers must be available for all victims of traumatic injury. Getting a trauma victim to a trauma center right away is the first step in saving that person’s life.”

The grant funding helps cover trauma care centers’ uncompensated costs that occur while treating patients who cannot pay for the cost of care but face a medical emergency. Lawmakers said the funding would help prevent potential treatment shortcomings.

“Unfortunately, access to trauma care is threatened by losses associated with the high cost of treating severely injured patients, including those unable to pay for their care, and a growing shortage of trauma-related physicians. The public expects that appropriate trauma care will always be available to them wherever they reside or travel,” said Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas). 

Another bill passed in the House on Monday by a vote of 382-15 would reauthorize Trauma Care Systems Planning Grants through fiscal 2020. The grants are used for developing trauma care systems in states and rural areas.

The House passed a similar measure last year by voice vote.