65-1,112. Spinal cord injury treatment program; components. The secretary of health and environment shall develop a plan for the establishment of a multilevel treatment program for persons with spinal cord injuries and present the plan to the legislature for review by January 15, 1979. The plan shall contain at least the following components:

(a) An emergency medical evacuation system which shall include the operation and implementation of an emergency transport system in order that persons with spinal cord injuries can be transported to an intensive trauma care center on a timely basis.

(b) Intensive trauma care centers which will provide as a minimum:

(1) The administration of preventive treatment to persons with spinal cord injuries to prevent paralysis, save lives, and stabilize the person's medical condition so that he or she can be transferred as soon as possible to a rehabilitation center for further rehabilitation;

(2) The appropriate number of centers to be developed according to need. Each facility shall consist of a special medical unit with appropriate professional personnel and expertise.

(c) Rehabilitation centers to provide rehabilitation services for persons transferred from the intensive trauma care center and for other spinal cord injured persons requiring rehabilitation services. Such centers shall be located according to need and shall be equipped with the appropriate staff component to meet the specialized rehabilitation needs of spinal cord injured persons.

(d) An appropriate number of halfway houses for individuals who need attendant care, who are in adjustment periods, who require a structured environment or who are in retraining or educational programs.

(e) An estimate of the costs of implementing the provisions of the plan.

History: L. 1978, ch. 234, § 1; July 1.