trauma room

About Us

Our Mission

Optimal outcomes for every injured patient.

Our Vision

We are committed to Zero Preventable Deaths from injury in Pennsylvania.

History

The Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation (“The Foundation”) is the accrediting body for trauma centers throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Foundation was created by the combined efforts of the Pennsylvania Medical Society and The Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania along with the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania first recognized the Foundation in December 1984 when Act 209 was signed into law by Governor Thornburgh. Act 209 expired in June 1985 and a comprehensive Emergency Medical Service Act (Act 45) was signed into law in July 1985 again recognizing the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation as the accrediting body for the trauma centers in Pennsylvania.

Our Values

Excellence

We promote and support quality results and optimal outcomes through continuous performance improvement, education, and collaboration.

Innovation

We seek and support research and best practices that standardize and shape the future of trauma care.

Integrity

We are committed to honesty, fairness, and transparency.

Teamwork

We encourage respectful multidisciplinary collaboration to develop standards, solve problems and achieve common goals.

Our Value Proposition

PTSF is dedicated to its values. We uphold these through our unique:

We will deliver value to the trauma centers and customers we serve by:

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

PTSF supports diversity, equity, and inclusion of all people. We as an organization are committed to equal access and care for all trauma patients and residents of Pennsylvania. We recognize the challenges that face various marginalized communities in Pennsylvania and dedicate our efforts to providing excellent care to everyone. As an organization we strive to have representation from a diverse group of healthcare providers and administrators that represent our constituency and give voice to the issues of our communities.

Our Structure

A 20-member board of directors governs the activities of the Foundation. This board is comprised of professionals with administrative and clinical expertise in the field of Trauma and Emergency Medicine.  Members are nominated by a variety of organizations including:

Our Accreditation Process

The final determination of trauma center accreditation status occurs at the annual Foundation board deliberation meetings. Information collected from surveyors who conducted trauma center site surveys are reviewed by the board of directors. All site survey/accreditation information is blinded, and a strict conflict of interest policy is enforced. 

Our Funding

PTSF is a non-profit corporation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code. Primary funding is obtained through fees associated with the accreditation process.

Our Committees

There are multiple standing committees within the organized structure of the Foundation. Committees comprised solely of board members serve to assure compliance with the bylaws of the Foundation and internal policies and procedures regarding operations and accreditation. Committees with membership that extends beyond the board membership serve to advance the Foundation’s strategic plan.

Board Committees comprised solely of board members are:

  • Conflict of Interest
  • Executive
  • Nominating
  • Finance
  • Policy & Procedure

Committees that include membership beyond board members are:

  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Outcomes
  • Performance Improvement & Patient Safety
  • Standards
  • Trauma Registry
  • Trauma Research
  • Injury Prevention
  • Trauma Systems Development