Member hospital network for poison control.

MPCS developed a model for poison control which includes a member hospital network besides the regional information center. The network provides a mechanism for establishing information center credibility among hospitals and securing additional funds. Supported by the state hospital association, the membership network has contributed 22% of revenues for system's operations from annual dues of +305 to +882/hospital. Dues entitle hospitals to free managements and publications and public education materials at reduced price. The network has maintained on average 100 member hospitals per year with a 90% continuity rate. Members include 88 (79%) of 112 acute care regional hospitals (88% of teaching, 91% of large and 67% of small community hospitals). Network advantages to hospitals are the incentive to consult with MPCS without losing patients and staff education through consultation and rounds. Advantages to MPCS are an increase in staff and toxicology fellow expertise through consultation, teaching, and protocol formulation, research sites, and professional and public calls.