§ 63-1-2530.1. Legislative findings and intent.

A.  The Legislature hereby finds and declares that:

1.  Traumatic injury is the leading cause of death for persons under forty (40) years of age, and the third leading cause of death overall for persons of all ages.  Traumatic injury is the leading cause of lost years of potential life for Oklahomans sixty-five (65) years of age and younger;

2.  In addition to the physical and emotional losses that result from traumatic injury, the economic costs of such injuries, which include lost wages, medical expenses and indirect costs, far exceed losses for other diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes;

3.  Trauma systems dramatically reduce morbidity and mortality from major injuries; and

4.  Development and improvement of trauma systems is beneficial to all citizens.

B.  In order to improve the health and well-being of the people of this state, it is necessary to improve and further develop trauma systems by encouraging hospitals and emergency medical service providers to provide an organized system of trauma care.

Added by Laws 2004, c. 459, § 2, emerg. eff. June 4, 2004.