The 'request for proposal' approach to designation of a trauma center.

Although much has been written about the need for trauma centers, little has been published concerning the method of designating one. The New Mexico Emergency Medical Service Bureau of the Health and Environment Department invited all hospitals in the region. A selection committee made up of two trauma surgeons and an emergency physician reviewed the RFP documents and visited each competing hospital. The selection committee's report was presented to the New Mexico Medical Society in an open forum. The Emergency Medical Service Bureau reviewed both the report and the response of the medical society, which was supportive. Finally, a designation was made by the bureau and announced by the governor, and was well accepted by all of the participating parties.